Evans considers returning for junior season at OSU

The loss was still fresh and reporters and cameras pressed in on OSU sophomore seeking an indication of the Cowboy point guard’s plans.

Return for another season in Stillwater, or opt in for the NBA Draft?

“Most likely, I’ll be back,” Evans said following the 92-91 loss to Michigan.

Evans may have been playing the room; may have simply taken the easy route to deflect further questions inside a downtrodden locker room. Or maybe he’s still in the decision-making process.

And for the record, locker room statements of this sort aren’t binding. Cowboys coach

said he and Evans will sit down and discuss the future.

“We’ll visit when that time’s right,” Underwood said.

Evans may face a difficult decision.

If he returns, he’ll likely be the preseason pick for Big 12 Player of the Year, and be a candidate for national honors as well. And at this point, his draft stock is sketchy.

Before Friday, draftexpress.com projected Evans as an early second round pick, going at No. 34, meaning there are no guarantees of a roster spot and no guaranteed money. It’s a strong year for point guards in the draft, with six slotted ahead of Evans according to draftexpress.com.

a junior who enjoyed a breakout year and is considered a future pro, was more concrete in his intention of returning.

“Oh, I’ll be back next year,” Carroll said.

Forte, Hammonds will be missed

Friday’s loss meant seniors

and won’t experience an NCAA Tournament win.

Still, they left an impact on the program. And they left an impact on this team, as captains who led a buy-in of a new coaching staff and kept the team moving forward amid an 0-6 start to Big 12 Conference play.

“The thing that stinks the most is not playing alongside Phil or Leyton anymore,” Carroll said. “They’ve been here since I’ve been here. Me and Leyton and Phil have grown a tremendous relationship. If I’m slacking off any day, they jump on me.

“It’s going to feel weird not hearing, ‘Phil Forte for 3!’ or Leyton Hammonds!’ just going throughout Gallagher-Iba.

“Our goal as a team was to make them have the best senior campaign they could have. Today we fell short, but I’m so proud of what they’ve done for this school. I couldn’t thank them enough.”

Quotable

OSU sophomore

on his takeaway from the season:

“I am so proud of this team. We bounced back from so many downfalls as a team, starting with this summer losing a teammate

And to come out and have a great season and make the NCAA Tournament with a young team is impressive. We played a good game. They played a great game as well, but we will be back next year and do it again.”

Tip-Ins

• Friday marked OSU’s first loss this season when scoring 90 or more points. The Cowboys had been 11-0 when scoring 90 previously.

• With 23 points, Evans recorded his 15th 20-point game of the season and his 14th consecutive doublefigure scoring game. He finished the season by scoring 20 or more in six of his final seven games. Evans added 12 assists for his fourth double-double of the season.

• Carroll added 19 points for his 28th double-figure scoring game of the year.

• Forte played in his 135th game as a Cowboy, moving into sole possession of third place on OSU’s career games played list. He entered Friday tied with (200812), (2010-14) and (2005-09).