Louisville loses big man Dennis Evans to undisclosed medical issue

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Dennis Evans, a 7-1 freshman who showed early promise as a 5-star recruit for the University of Louisville men’s basketball team, will not be medically cleared to return to the team, according to a spokesperson.

Evans, who last played for Louisville in a victory over Bellarmine on Dec. 29, has been out since then with what the team reported as a shoulder injury. He did not make the team’s trip to Virginia earlier this week, and did not return from his home in California after the team broke for the holiday break.

“Freshman center Dennis Evans will not be medically cleared to compete at the University of Louisville moving forward,” a statement from the program, released by sports information director Zach Greenwell, said. “We are disappointed by the news and will not be releasing any additional information out of respect for Dennis’ privacy.”

Evans played in seven games for the Cardinals, starting five of them. He averaged 1.6 points and one rebound per game. He also blocked five shots, which remains tied for second-best on the team.

His season high of seven points (in a season-high 16 minutes) came in Louisville’s win over UMBC on Nov. 6.

A native of Riverside, Calif., Evans was an intriguing prospect, and not just because of his size. Donning goggles because of his appreciation of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Evans possessed a nice touch around the basket, but like many young big men, needed to fill out physically.

Evans de-committed from Minnesota to sign with Louisville.

He is not expected to rejoin the program this year, but the school will honor his scholarship should he decide to return. What his long-term prospects are depends on his medical diagnosis, which U of L officials have declined to discuss.

According to a source, U of L doesn't foresee his status changing with the institution.

Evans becomes the second piece from Payne’s most recent recruiting class to drop by the wayside. Trentyn Flowers, a highly-rated shooting guard, left the team before the season to pursue professional basketball in Australia.