A former Tennessee Volunteers guard has officially committed to an SEC program, continuing the wave of roster changes sweeping through college basketball’s transfer portal. The decision comes as programs across the conference aggressively retool their backcourts ahead of the upcoming season.
The Tennessee transfer, Amari Evans, a 6-foot-5 guard with three years of eligibility remaining, has committed to the Texas Longhorns, giving the SEC program a physical, defensive-minded perimeter addition. (Burnt Orange Nation) Evans entered the portal after spending his freshman season in Knoxville, where he appeared in 35 games and contributed in a limited but valuable role off the bench.
Known for his length, athleticism, and defensive versatility, Evans showed flashes of scoring upside during his time at Tennessee, including a 24-point breakout performance against Vanderbilt. However, consistency on the offensive end remained a work in progress, particularly from three-point range.
At Texas, Evans is expected to step into a more defined role under head coach Sean Miller, who has prioritized adding size and defensive toughness to the backcourt. His ability to guard multiple positions could make him an immediate rotational piece in SEC play.
The move also highlights the growing trend of intra-conference transfers, where players familiar with SEC competition shift programs in search of expanded opportunities and system fits that better match their skill sets.
With Evans now in Austin, both Tennessee and Texas continue shaping their rosters through the portal, underscoring how quickly SEC basketball lineups are being rebuilt in real time each offseason.
