Simpsonville Native Joins Georgia Tech Basketball Staff

Simpsonville native Bruce Evans, who played basketball for Hillcrest High and Furman before embarking on a coaching career, has been tapped to join the Georgia Tech men's basketball staff as Director of Player Development, the school announced Tuesday.

Evans, 42, will be involved a number of areas for the Yellow Jackets' program, including serving as liaison to academic services and compliance, directing Tech's summer camps and coaches clinics, and overseeing the team's involvement in community outreach, charity work and the Tech Total Person Program. He fills the position vacated by Amir Abdur-Rahim, who left in the spring to become an assistant coach at the College of Charleston.

"Bruce is a tremendous addition to our staff," said Gregory. "His experience as both a college head coach and assistant will make an immediate impact on our program. He is a great fit in our game plan of developing the well-rounded student-athletes we want representing Georgia Tech basketball."

Evans comes to Tech following three years as an assistant coach at the University of North Florida (2009-12), where he helped lead the team during its transition to the Division I level and set the record for most wins in one season in the history of the school during 2011-2012. He was involved with on the court coaching, recruiting, video breakdown, opponent scouting and skill development, as well as team travel, team academic progress, team equipment, financial aid, ministry outreach and community outreach.

"Our family is thankful that God has guided our steps to Georgia Tech," said Evans. "I am humbled that Coach Gregory has given me this opportunity to join his staff and make contributions to the Institute, the basketball program, student-athletes, alumni and fans. Growing up in ACC country, I understand the great history and tradition of Georgia Tech, and it's an exciting time to be a Yellow Jacket. " 

His stint at UNF followed five years (2004-09) as head coach at Lander University in Greenwood, S.C. In 2006-07, Evans led the Bearcats to a 20-11 record and the Peach Belt Conference Tournament title and a spot in the NCAA Division II Tournament. It marked the program's first tournament championship in 12 years.

At Lander, Evans led the Bearcats to the school's first ever win over a Division I opponent, beating Charleston Southern, in his first season. Evans' debut campaign included 17 wins, marking a 10-game improvement from the previous year.

Before accepting the head coach position at Lander, Evans served as the top assistant coach at Gardner-Webb for four years (2000-04). Prior to that, he was an assistant coach at Presbyterian from 1997-2000. During his time with the Blue Hose, he tutored and recruited several All-SAC selections. Evans began his coaching career at his alma mater, Furman University (1993-1997).

A standout at Furman during his collegiate playing days, Evans earned All-Southern Conference laurels three times while being named the conference's freshman of the year during the 1988-89 season. While at Furman, he helped lead the Paladins to a regular season title and a berth in the National Invitational Tournament before graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1992. He was a finalist for SoCon Player of the Year as a senior.

Following his collegiate playing days, the Simpsonville native played one year of professional basketball in Turkey.

Evans and his wife, Conserverina, have two sons, Colin Burke and Warren Brice.