Vols’ Freshman Duo, Dewayne Brown & Amari Evans, Ready to Dominate in Knoxville for 2025-2026!
The University of Tennessee’s basketball program is on the verge of something special. As the 2025-2026 season draws near, the spotlight is shining brightly on two of the most anticipated freshmen to ever step foot on the hardwood in Knoxville: Dewayne Brown and Amari Evans. With both players bringing an electrifying blend of talent, athleticism, and raw potential, they are poised to make an immediate and lasting impact on the Tennessee Volunteers’ men’s basketball team.
This dynamic duo has already caught the attention of fans, analysts, and coaches alike, with many predicting that their skill sets could revolutionize the way the Vols play the game. Both Brown and Evans are expected to provide immediate depth and contribute to Tennessee’s success on both ends of the floor, while also bringing an exciting new dimension to a team that has consistently been competitive in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 season, it’s clear that these two freshmen will be integral to the Vols’ quest for conference supremacy, NCAA Tournament glory, and beyond.
In this article, we’ll break down the unique strengths that Dewayne Brown and Amari Evans bring to the table, their basketball journeys thus far, what fans can expect from them, and why Knoxville is buzzing with excitement about their arrival. Let’s dive into the future of Tennessee basketball and explore why these two freshmen are ready to dominate in 2025-2026.
Dewayne Brown: The High-Flying Forward with Defensive Prowess
At 6’8” and 225 pounds, Dewayne Brown is a forward who can do it all. Whether it’s throwing down thunderous dunks, playing lock-down defense, or stretching the floor with a developing jumper, Brown has the tools to become one of the most versatile players in the SEC. He’s a physical specimen, boasting a combination of speed, strength, and agility that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenders. But it’s not just his size and athleticism that sets him apart; it’s his basketball IQ, competitiveness, and work ethic that make him a potential game-changer for the Vols.
High School Career and Development
Before arriving in Knoxville, Brown had a standout high school career at Montverde Academy in Florida, which is widely recognized as one of the top basketball programs in the country. Under the guidance of head coach Kevin Boyle, Brown developed into a well-rounded player who showcased his scoring ability, versatility, and elite-level defense.
Brown’s performance during his senior year of high school was nothing short of impressive. He averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while leading his team to a national championship. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was evident, and he quickly became a coveted prospect among NCAA coaches. It was his tenacious defense and his ability to guard multiple positions that really caught the attention of Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes, who has always emphasized the importance of defense in his system.
Strengths on the Court
Offensively, Brown is a force to be reckoned with. He’s known for his explosive athleticism, especially in transition, where he can finish with authority above the rim. His strength allows him to power through defenders in the paint, but he’s also adept at using finesse when necessary. Whether it’s a quick spin move to the basket or a powerful dunk over a defender, Brown has the ability to finish plays with style.
One of Brown’s most impressive traits is his ability to shoot from the mid-range. Although not yet a consistent three-point shooter, his smooth jumper allows him to stretch the floor and create space for his teammates. As he continues to develop his perimeter game, Brown could become a truly dynamic scoring threat capable of scoring in a variety of ways.
Defensively, Brown is already a standout. His size, agility, and defensive instincts make him a menace on that side of the ball. Whether it’s blocking shots, stealing passes, or simply shutting down his man, Brown has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the SEC. His ability to guard multiple positions—ranging from opposing wings to power forwards—will be a key asset for Tennessee, allowing them to deploy a more versatile defensive scheme.
Expectations for 2025-2026
As Brown steps onto the court for the Vols, his primary role will be to provide energy, scoring, and defense. He’ll likely be slotted into a starting role early on, and fans can expect to see him making an immediate impact in both the SEC and national games. His ability to fill a variety of roles—whether it’s as a scorer, rebounder, or defender—gives Tennessee’s coaching staff plenty of flexibility. Brown will be expected to provide key minutes from day one and help elevate the Vols to championship contention.
Given the Vols’ deep roster and the development of players like Josiah-Jordan James, Santiago Vescovi, and Zakai Zeigler, Brown will have the opportunity to learn from upperclassmen while also contributing immediately. His ability to mesh with the team’s existing talent will be crucial as he navigates the transition from high school to college basketball.
Amari Evans: The Scoring Machine with Elite Playmaking
At 6’4” and 210 pounds, Amari Evans is a versatile guard with all the skills needed to dominate at the next level. Known for his scoring ability, Evans is a threat from anywhere on the floor—whether it’s attacking the rim with power, hitting from beyond the arc, or pulling up for a mid-range jumper. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and his ability to create for others will make him a valuable asset for Tennessee’s offensive system.
High School Career and Development
Evans’ basketball journey began in New Jersey, where he attended one of the state’s top high school programs, St. Benedict’s Preparatory School. Over the years, Evans gained a reputation as a dynamic scorer and playmaker, capable of leading his team to victories against some of the best competition in the nation. By his senior year, Evans had developed into a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top point guard prospects in the country.
Evans was particularly impressive during the AAU circuit, where he led his team to several national championships and earned multiple MVP honors. His ability to score in bunches, distribute the ball, and play high-level defense caught the attention of many of the nation’s top college programs. However, it was Tennessee’s up-tempo, high-pressure style of play that intrigued Evans and ultimately convinced him to commit to the Vols.
Strengths on the Court
What stands out the most about Evans is his ability to score in a variety of ways. He’s an explosive athlete with a powerful first step, allowing him to get to the basket with ease. He can finish through contact or use a wide array of crafty moves to elude defenders. Additionally, Evans possesses a silky smooth jump shot that stretches out to the three-point line, making him a dual threat as both a scorer and playmaker.
Evans’ playmaking ability is one of his greatest assets. As a point guard, he’s adept at controlling the pace of the game, setting up teammates, and running an offense efficiently. He has exceptional vision and is capable of threading the needle on difficult passes, often finding his teammates in perfect scoring position. His court awareness and leadership will make him a crucial part of Tennessee’s offensive scheme, as his ability to distribute the ball will ensure that everyone gets involved in the action.
On the defensive end, Evans is no slouch either. He’s strong enough to guard larger players and quick enough to defend against opposing guards. His length and athleticism allow him to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes, adding another layer of toughness to his already well-rounded game.
Expectations for 2025-2026
Evans is expected to have an immediate impact on the Vols’ backcourt. While Tennessee already boasts strong players like Zeigler and Vescovi, Evans will likely provide an additional scoring punch and help take the pressure off his teammates. His ability to run the offense and create scoring opportunities will be vital for Tennessee’s offensive efficiency, and he could form a potent backcourt pairing with Zeigler to give the Vols a two-headed monster in the guard position.
In terms of playing time, Evans will likely be one of the team’s most valuable players right away. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership will make him a key piece of the puzzle for the Vols. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, fans can expect Evans to make his presence felt on both sides of the ball.
Why the Freshman Duo Will Dominate in Knoxville
There are several reasons why Dewayne Brown and Amari Evans will be able to dominate for the Vols in the 2025-2026 season. First and foremost, they each possess an incredible work ethic and a desire to improve. From their high school careers to their AAU days, both players have consistently demonstrated that they are willing to put in the work necessary to become elite players.
Second, both Brown and Evans are joining a Tennessee program that has built a strong foundation of success. The Vols have consistently been one of the top teams in the SEC and have made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament under Rick Barnes. With a culture of excellence and a focus on defense, Brown and Evans will have the perfect environment to develop their skills while contributing to Tennessee’s championship aspirations.
Finally, the complementary skill sets of Brown and Evans will allow them to play off each other and elevate the team as a whole. Brown’s defensive prowess and versatility will balance out Evans’ scoring and playmaking ability, giving Tennessee a well-rounded and dynamic roster.