Posted: May 13, 2002

The Phoenix Suns got a close-up look at Iowa’s Reggie Evans on Monday. The 6-8, 245-lb. forward was one of four players who participated in a private workout at America West Arena, as the Suns prepare for the 2002 NBA Draft, to be held on June 26.

Evans, who averaged 15.4 points and 11.1 rebounds his senior season, spoke with reporters after the workout. The following is a transcript of that question-and-answer session.

Question: Talk about the workout today. What all did the Suns have you do?

Evans: We kind of warmed up on some little curl drills. Did some shooting, some stand still shots. You stand still, then pump fake, one dribble left or right. We did a couple post-up moves. Those kinds of things.

Question: Was it difficult at all, working out in front of all the Suns’ coaches and scouts?

Evans: You know, you try to do your best just to blank them out. If you can blank out 15,000-plus every game in college, you can try to blank out 20 people, even though it’s a little harder, because it’s like an interview. It’s different, they’re not cheering for you (laughs). They’re not cheering for you or going against you. They’re really looking to see if I can help this team out. I just do my best, try to blank them out and just be my normal self. Be Reggie Evans.

Question: What type of player is Reggie Evan? Who would you compare yourself to?

Evans: Kind of like Malik Rose, one of those type of guys. Gary Trent, Bo Outlaw. Blue-collar players who really just work hard at what they do. You know, hurt teams by getting big crucial offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, big-time points or stopping his man. You know, just come in for a certain amount of minutes and just do the best for those minutes. I feel I can be one of those type of players.

An aggressive rebounder, Evans pulled down 11 boards a game for Iowa in '01-02. (Courtesy University of Iowa)

Question: How much do you know about the Suns’ organization?

Evans: I know a lot. As far as like player wise, (I know) Stephon (Marbury) and Shawn (Marion), Bo Outlaw. I watch their games a lot. I saw what Jason Kidd did, shooting that middle finger when he got beat here (laughs). You know, I watched Charles Barkley, because he’s from the South. But I basically watch everybody. It was an honor to be in this atmosphere and just to sit down and talk to coach (Frank) Johnson, see Stephon. It was real fun. You know, even though it wasn’t a real uniform, it was just a practice uniform, it felt real good. Actually, just to step on the floor (felt good).

Question: Do you think you would be a good fit for the Suns?

Evans: Yeah, no question about it. I’m just a hard-nosed working player. A blue-collar player, willing to do his role whatever is asked of me. So I feel like I could help this team out a lot.

Question: What’s next on your workout schedule?

Evans: I’ve got to go to Houston and then I’m going to work out for the Clippers. So that’s what I have so far. That’s what it’s looking like.

Question: Do you have a feel for where you might go in the draft?

Evans: No, I don’t have a feel. I try not to think about it. Basically, I just try to work hard and be ready for the individual (workouts). I just want to show these teams that I’m real hungry and willing to do whatever it takes in a positive way to make their organization.