2018 NBA Draft: Jacob Evans is a first round talent hiding in plain sight

In what looks like a fairly weak class of wings in 2018, Cincinnati’s Jacob Evans is being severely underrated at this point in the season.

It’s not breaking news that NBA teams continue to look for 3-and-D wings every year. Be it in free agency or via a trade, these are the players that help keep teams together. They’re the role players that extend playoff runs. Most of the time, though, it’s easier for teams to invest in wings through the draft. For 2018, you won’t find many wing prospects better than Cincinnati’s Jacob Evans.

Evans has been the leader and focal point of a top-five Bearcats team this season. Through 27 games, the junior is averaging 13.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 steals and one block per game. He’s shooting from 3 at a 39 percent clip and shooting 67 percent on shots at the rim, per Hoop-Math. Given his team has been as high as fifth in the country, it’s odd he hasn’t gotten more attention.

He’s a physical defensive force at 6’6″, able to guard 1-4 at the college level. In the NBA, he should be able to defend 1-3 and hold his own against some 4s. Evans is a rare wing averaging over one steal and block per game. Between his instincts, toughness and motor, there’s a lot to like on that end of the floor. Evans ranks seventh nationally in defensive rating. He’s the real deal.

In addition to his defense, his swing skill — like many wings — is his jumper. After shooting just 33 percent from deep as a freshman, he’s become reliable over the last two years. Since the beginning of the 2016-17 season, Evans has hit nearly 41 percent of 285 attempts from 3. That’s a good sample size. With good dip in his form and rotation on the ball, his shot is worth buying. In addition to that, he’s a career 77 percent free throw shooter in college.

As of right now, Evans seems like a very solid 3-and-D prospect. Watch tape on him and you’re impressed by his tenacity on both ends. He’s constantly crashing the boards, though ironically he could rebound a bit better. Yet, Cincinnati’s star wing, has one more noteworthy attribute that should help solidify his case as a first round talent.

Apologies for the poor video, but what it showcases is too important. Evans’ handle is a little loose and likely needs work at the next level, but look at his instincts and the vision. His passing is what makes him stand out compared to other 3-and-D guys. Making these types of passes consistently, game to game, is really encouraging.

It’s not just the tape, though. Evans often runs the point for Cincinnati and looks more and more comfortable in the pick-and-roll. On the season, Evans assists on over 20 percent of the Bearcats’ field goals when he’s on the floor. He’s not quite a secondary ball-handler, mostly because of his dribble, but he can be a playmaker from the wing for his NBA team.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft - The best team for each top prospect

After Luka Doncic and Mikal Bridges, there are not any clear elite wing players. We’ve seen flashes from the likes of Troy Brown, Lonnie Walker and more, but no one has separated from the pack. Evans deserves to be in the conversation with those guys. Yes, he’s two years older, but the combination of multi-positional defense, passing and shooting is unique.