New Gophers point guard Kyan Evans considers himself a self-starter, but over the last year, he discovered an extra wellspring of drive.
Niko Medved's former point guard for two years at Colorado State transferred to North Carolina for the 2025-26 season, but it was a rough year with the Tar Heels. In the spring, Evans hit the transfer portal again and reunited with Medved in Minnesota for his senior season.
"Last year gave me more motivation than I've ever had before," Evans told the Pioneer Press this week. "Having a rough year like I did and being able to come here now and kind of showcase that I have been getting better is something that is getting me going."
The Gophers ramped up preseason work this week, with their first exhibition game slated for Oct. 15 vs. Omaha at The Barn.
Here's what Evans had to say in a sit-down interview with the Pioneer Press:
How much of your existing relationship with Medved was part of your decision to transfer to Minnesota?
I would say that's the main reason why I came back just knowing it's my senior year and having that familiarity with him and knowing the offense and what they do on a day-to-day, how the coach will be. You can't get from any other school in the country — just already knowing what they'll be like. That's big for me.
You have a relationship with Gophers forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson from Colorado State, too. You guys are friends?
Crock was my roommate actually in Colorado. We are really close. And then talking to him, too, coming on the visit, it just felt like I was back in Colorado almost like same place, same people. It was an easy transition.
Evans went from a little-used freshman under Medved in 2023-24 to a vital sophomore who averaged 10.6 points and 3.1 assists in 28 minutes across 36 games.
What do you feel like was was key in your sophomore year with Niko?
I think just them keeping belief in me throughout the whole year. I didn't start off the the way I finished at all. So, just the fact that they just kind of kept putting confidence in me throughout the whole year and just kind of telling me 'Stick with it.' Having a coach like that is just a big help in a player's journey.
Evans' production dropped off with the Tar Heels. He averaged 4.0 points, 2.5 assist in 17 minutes across 33 games, and losing his starting spot during Atlantic Coast Conference play in January.
What didn't work for you last year at North Carolina?
I don't know. There was just some games where I just couldn't really get into a flow and then it kind of built up over time and that's how it goes. We had a lot of good players (on an NCAA tournament team). So if it's not your night, somebody else is going to get it going and get to playing well. And I think that had a little bit to do with it, but never really caught a rhythm last year and that was that was difficult for me. But I use it as a learning experience now and on to the next.
In June, Medved said you needed to get your "mojo back." Do you agree?
Yeah, I think definitely just stepping into a different role again, you always kind of got to get going again. I felt like this summer was good for me in that aspect and I was definitely able to get going again.
Medved wants to play with pace. How do you feel like you can kind of help that and get in out in transition?
That's kind of the way I always like to play is just fast. Kind of let me just get out there and do what I do. I think that's going to be great, especially with the guys we got on the team.
What's your motivation?
I've always kind of just been a really self-motivated guy. But last year gave me more motivation than I've ever had before. Having a rough year like I did and being able to come here now and kind of showcase that I have been getting better is something that is getting me going.
How much did you entertain Minnesota the first time in the portal?
It was definitely an option the first time (after the 2024-25 season). I was talking, I had a visit set up and I was actually going to come to Minnesota I think like a few days after I had committed (to North Carolina).
My sisters are out here, too. So, I had some family ties that really wanted me to come out here. It obviously didn't work out that way, but it was definitely on the table. Just excited to be here now.
Sisters here?
I got two sisters (who live in the western suburbs). They're both married with three kids. So, I got nieces and nephews running around. They'll probably be at a lot of games this year.
And your parents will come up from your hometown in Kansas City?
Parents will be up here a lot, my brother. There will be some family up here, for sure.
You've been on two NCAA tournament teams. What do you feel like is key for a team to reach that level?
The main thing is just everybody buying into what coach sees for them within the team. I think that's the main thing. Just people buying into their role and understanding what it takes to win. Not everybody's going to get the shots they want, the points they want. But if they do what they need to do to win, then we'll be really good.
Do you feel like this team has those ingredients to make it to March Madness?
Yeah, 100%. I think this is the most talented team I've been on with Medved for sure. There's a lot of guys that can do a lot of things on this team, then if everybody just buys into what they need to do and stays level-headed, I think we'll be good.
