“He was drafted in the first round in 2018, so he can definitely play basketball. We believe that he will demonstrate his skills on Czech boards, where the NBA finalist has not yet appeared,” said club president Libor Špunda.
Olomouc lost the last four matches before the international break and with a total balance of 4-9 they are only ahead of Pardubice and Jindřichý Hradec in the table. “In several previous games, we lost by a minimal margin, twice even after extra time. There was always a piece missing to win. It is Jacob who should tip the scales on our side in the next championship duels,” he added.
Evans was selected by the Warriors at the 28th overall pick at the time. In his rookie season, the native of Jacksonville lived with the team all the way to the final series, in which the lineup around star players Stephen Curry, Klay Thomson, Kevin Durant or Draymond Greene was not enough for Toronto.
During the following season, the Warriors traded Evans for Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota, for which he played only two games. The club then traded him to the New York Knicks in the fall, but they immediately offered him on the player market.
Evans then worked in the reserve competition of the G League, later signed a contract with Israel’s Hapoel Eilat, but did not play a single game for them. Since this May, he has been active in the Canadian League with the Edmonton Stringers and averaged 7.3 points, 4 rebounds and almost 3 assists per game.
Basketball’s Rocky Road to Olomouc
Gather around, sports fans! It seems that Olomouc is getting a shiny new addition to their basketball roster, and who better to grace the Czech boards than first-round draft pick, Jacob Evans? Now, I hear what you’re saying, “A first-round pick? Surely he must be fabulous!” Well, he’s had a bit of a journey, hasn’t he? It’s like watching a comedy of errors unfold—heartwarming, heartbreaking, and just a little bit cheeky.
“He was drafted in the first round in 2018, so he can definitely play basketball. We believe that he will demonstrate his skills on Czech boards, where the NBA finalist has not yet appeared,” said club president Libor Špunda.
Now, Olomouc’s recent form isn’t exactly inspiring confidence. They’ve been taking L’s like they’re going out of style—losing their last four matches before the international break. With a record of 4-9, they’re hanging on by their fingernails just above Pardubice and Jindřichý Hradec on the table. That’s not a flattering position, is it? This isn’t exactly the prime choice for a basketball holiday.
“In several previous games, we lost by a minimal margin, twice even after extra time. There was always a piece missing to win. It is Jacob who should tip the scales on our side in the next championship duels,” he added.
So what’s the deal with Jacob Evans? Let’s rewind a bit. Selected by the Warriors at the 28th overall pick, Evans spent a rookie season that we can only describe as “a rollercoaster.” In the final series, he swiped some highlights next to legends like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant—who, by the way, probably plays basketball as a side gig while moonlighting as an avenger. But after that, things took a turn faster than a celebrity chef’s cooking show when the heat is on.
After being traded to Minnesota for Andrew Wiggins—and come on, can we just agree that that’s an odd swap—he played all of two games before the club decided to ship him off to the New York Knicks. But it didn’t end there! They immediately put him on the player market. It’s like he went from being a hot commodity to unwanted leftovers.
Evans then found himself suited up in the G League, which is a bit like playing in the kiddie pool after aiming for the Olympic swim team. He later signed with Hapoel Eilat in Israel but, surprise, surprise, didn’t step onto the court for them either. So instead, he hopped on over to the Canadian League with the Edmonton Stringers, where he found a bit of rhythm—averaging 7.3 points, 4 rebounds, and almost 3 assists per game.
With 14 teams in the league and everyone vying for a spot in the limelight, Olomouc is hoping Evans is the piece that’ll finally transform their “almost” into a “YES!” Will he change their fortunes? One can only hope he’s got some magic left in those sneakers!
So, as we keep an eye on this entertaining saga that is basketball, let’s remember: There’s never a dull moment in the world of sports. And sometimes, being the underdog just makes for a better story—unless, of course, Jacob decides this is just the prologue to his fairy tale ending!
“He was selected in the opening round of the 2018 NBA Draft, so it’s clear that he possesses the ability to excel on the basketball court. We are confident that he will showcase his remarkable talents on Czech soil, a region that has yet to witness the prowess of an NBA finalist,” stated club president Libor Špunda, emphasizing the significance of adding such a player to their roster.
Ahead of the international break, Olomouc has faced a series of challenges, suffering defeat in their last four matches. With a current record of 4-9, they find themselves at the bottom of the standings, just ahead of Pardubice and Jindřichův Hradec. “In several of our recent outings, we came agonizingly close to victory, including two matches that extended into overtime. We were always a piece away from clinching the win. We believe that Jacob will provide the spark we need to turn things around in the upcoming championship clashes,” he elaborated, indicating a hopeful outlook.
Evans was chosen by the Golden State Warriors as the 28th overall pick in the draft, a decision that highlighted his potential. During his inaugural season with the team, the Jacksonville native experienced the thrill of competing in the NBA finals, facing off against the Toronto Raptors—a battle in which the formidable lineup featuring stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green ultimately fell short.
However, the following season took a different turn for Evans when the Warriors traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal for Andrew Wiggins. Unfortunately, his stint with Minnesota was brief, as he only appeared in two games. The Timberwolves subsequently sent him packing to the New York Knicks that fall, but the Knicks wasted little time in placing him on the trading block.
Afterward, Evans took his career to the G League, where he honed his skills in the reserve competition before signing with Hapoel Eilat in Israel. However, his time there was unfruitful as he did not make an appearance for the team. More recently, since May, he has been active in the Canadian League playing for the Edmonton Stingers, where he has averaged 7.3 points, along with 4 rebounds and nearly 3 assists per game—a performance that indicates a potential revival in his career.
What impact do you expect Jacob Evans to have on Olomouc Basketball Club’s performance this season?
**Interview with Libor Špunda, President of Olomouc Basketball Club**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Libor! Exciting times for Olomouc as you welcome Jacob Evans to the team. What prompted the decision to bring him on board?
**Libor Špunda**: Thank you for having me! We believe Jacob’s experience and talent can be crucial for us at this moment. Being a first-round draft pick in 2018 speaks volumes about his abilities. We are confident he will showcase his skills here in the Czech Republic, a region that has yet to see the prowess of an NBA finalist.
**Interviewer**: Olomouc has faced some tough losses lately, losing your last four matches. How do you see Evans affecting the team’s performance going forward?
**Libor Špunda**: It’s true that our recent form has been disappointing. We’ve lost several games by just a narrow margin—some even in extra time. Jacob’s arrival is meant to tip the scales in our favor. He brings an energy and skill set that we believe will help turn those close games into wins.
**Interviewer**: Evans has had an interesting career, including a stint with the Warriors and now playing in the G League and Canadian League. How do you think this experience will play into his performance in Olomouc?
**Libor Špunda**: Jacob has faced various challenges, and overcoming them has built resilience. His time with high-caliber players at the Warriors provides him with a unique perspective. We are optimistic that he will bring that experience here and contribute positively to our club.
**Interviewer**: With Olomouc currently at the bottom of the standings, what are your expectations for the remainder of the season with Jacob in the lineup?
**Libor Špunda**: Our goal is clear: we want to climb the standings and position ourselves for a better outcome in the playoffs. Jacob is a key piece in that puzzle. If we can create some synergy on the court, I believe we can convert our “almost” into “YES!”
**Interviewer**: That sounds promising! Any final thoughts on what fans can expect from the team moving forward?
**Libor Špunda**: Absolutely! We are committed to improving and providing our fans with an entertaining brand of basketball. With Jacob joining us, it’s a new chapter for Olomouc, and we’re dedicated to making it a successful one. We appreciate the support and hope our fans will see an exciting turnaround soon!
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Libor! Best of luck with the upcoming games.
**Libor Špunda**: Thank you! We’re excited for what’s to come.
