Off the Court: Tyreke Evans
By: Pelicans.com
Tyreke Evans has lived in virtually every region of the United States over just the past half-decade alone. A native of the Philadelphia area, Evans spent one college season at the University of Memphis, before being drafted in the 2009 NBA lottery by Sacramento. After four seasons as a member of the Kings, including winning Rookie of the Year in 2009-10, Evans joined New Orleans for the inaugural Pelicans season. Here’s more from Evans on his background:
Best moment as an athlete: “Winning a 14-and-under national championship in AAU basketball.” How he chose his uniform number of 1: “I got ranked No. 1 in the country (as a high school player), so I thought I would wear that number in high school. In college at Memphis, they didn’t have 1, so I wore 12.” One thing fans may be surprised to know about him: “I’m a very good bowler.” Favorite thing about New Orleans: “The food.” Pregame ritual: “I have to take a nap before the game.” Favorite athletes as a kid: “Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady, quarterback Kordell Stewart.” What he’d be doing if he weren’t an NBA player: “Playing football. I was a quarterback in high school.” Closest friends currently playing on other NBA teams: “Francisco Garcia of Houston, Isaiah Thomas of Sacramento, both guys I played with when I was with the Kings.” Favorite type of music: “Hip-hop.” Favorite TV show: “Martin.” Favorite movies of all time: “He Got Game, Love and Basketball.” Favorite website: “YouTube.”