Confidence certainly isn't lacking for NC State center Kyle Evans as he prepares for his first season with the Wolfpack.
Evans, who arrives in Raleigh with a reputation as a talented shot blocker and rim protector, believes he can establish himself as one of the nation's premier big men while competing against the talented frontcourt players he'll face in the ACC.
"I've always dreamed of it, and it's what I've worked towards," Evans said. "I have confidence in myself. I feel like I can be the best big in the country this year. Going out there and being at this level and playing against the best of the best gives me the opportunity to prove it."
While Evans is best known for his defensive presence around the basket, he's focused on becoming a more versatile player on both ends of the floor.
Defensively, that means expanding his ability to defend away from the basket, particularly when opponents attempt to exploit mismatches in ball-screen situations.
"I think definitely the thing I take the most pride in is shot blocking, defending the rim, and defending the paint," Evans said. "But I think something I've developed a lot is guarding outside on the perimeter, stepping out on switches and hard hedges, stuff like that.
"Different ball-screen coverages that we can throw at people that'll kind of put them back on their heels is something that I've worked really hard at. I think that's probably been the biggest adjustment I've had to make since being here."
That emphasis on development was also a major factor in Evans' decision to play for Gainey and his coaching staff.
For Evans, the opportunity wasn't simply about showcasing the strengths that made him an attractive addition to the Wolfpack. He wanted to improve in areas that would make him a more complete player.
"That was the biggest thing for me, developing the stuff I'm not so good at as well as the stuff that I already do pretty well, offensively and defensively," Evans said. "The coaching staff has done a great job pushing each and every one of us, getting the best out of us and trying to get better every single day."
Evans expects to contribute more offensively than simply finishing around the rim, as he is expected to play more on the perimeter this year in the Wolfpack’s system.
"Offensively, having the ball in my hands a little bit more, shooting, making decisions, stuff like that is something that I haven't done too much in the past," Evans said. "But I'm excited to show [that]."
He also stressed the importance of developing chemistry with his teammates, particularly the ability to pair up with sophomore guard Preston Edmead.
"I love playing with him," Evans said of a Edmead. "It just feels like he does everything right. He's always in the right spot. He's always making the right play. He definitely makes my job a little bit easier."
That chemistry has already translated into opportunities through cuts, short rolls, and other actions designed to create advantages offensively.
"It definitely opens things up," Evans said. "Him and I, we've connected a good amount on some plays, finding each other on some cuts and short rolls. I love playing with him. I feel like he makes me better."
If Evans can combine his established rim protection with improved perimeter defense and an expanded offensive skill set, NC State is going to have a steal at the center position.
