By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Zalgiris preparing to compete in the championship series of Lithuania’s Betsafe LKL Playoffs, Keenan Evans instead gears up to recover from knee surgery, aiming to return to action after at least six months.
Evans, 27, was brilliant for the Kaunas outfit throughout the 2023-24 campaign, after coming back from a torn Achilles tendon and spending several months on the injury list. Bouncing back in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, he averaged 17.3 points per contest over 34 appearances. At the domestic level, he tallied 11.3 points per game.
“Words can’t describe how I feel right now, it just truly sucks knowing how much I pushed myself to get back to playing at a high level. But life isn’t fair and it never will be. God makes no mistakes and it’s on me to be patient and trust in him,” he wrote in a post shared by Zalgiris across social media platforms.
The former Texas Tech standout moved his talents to Europe in 2019. From Bosnia-Herzegovina and Israel, he landed in Lithuania for Zalgiris in 2022.
“The city of Kaunas and Zalgiris fans, I am truly sorry I will not be able to help bring the trophy home this season. Of course, I will be cheering for the team in the finals,” furthered Evans in an emotional message.
“Lastly, those of you who know me and know my character understand that situations like this excite me to be even better and stronger (and also finish a season). Can’t respond to everyone but saying a big THANK YOU (ACIU) to all the love and messages I have gotten. God bless you all,” he concluded, “Tough times pass and tough people last.”