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Evans' explosive nature in both his dunks and presence should make him the man team's will have to focus on.

Vital organ: Evans came from the Bronx, has made a name for himself in the least-likely of places -- the Bluegrass state

By Dave Gorman
SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Whenever he scores, it sounds like the applause during the "Arsenio Hall Show." But the crowd isn't screaming "hoot" and pumping their fists. And they're not screaming "boo" at the top of their lungs, either.

UK fans are shouting "Mu" when forward Heshimu Evans scores. Whether it's a rim-rattling dunk or a net-splashing three-pointer, UK fans have taken a liking to Heshimu's nickname. And the fan craze because of his success in his first year in Lexington has not gone unnoticed by Evans.

"It's cool when you're walking down the street and people say, 'How are you doing, Mu?'" he said.

Head coach Tubby Smith calls Evans somewhat of a superhero.

"Heshimu brings that energy, you know, that sheer athleticism that the players are kind of in awe of ... the 'Superman' type," Smith said. "It's that type of energy that he can come with and enthusiasm that will bring us a look of disbelief. Just the sheer respect that he can do so many things athletically on the court."

Evans also created another nickname for himself at this year's Midnight Madness, "The Bronx Bomber." The senior co-captain backed it up, shooting 35.3 percent from behind the arc last season. And if his summer practicing pays off, his numbers should go up. Evans and teammate Steve Masiello shot 500 shots every day from different spots on the floor this past summer.

The man of many names, Evans is more than used to seeing his hard work and decisions pay off. Evans decided to leave his home of Bronx, N.Y., for a shot at winning a national championship in the Bluegrass state.

He went from a member of the All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Team and leading his Manhattan team in scoring and assists, to a "who's that guy?" on the UK bench. He redshirted in the 1996-'97 season and had to adjust to the Lexington lifestyle from the Big Apple.

"The life in N.Y. is fast-paced, and here, it is calm-paced," Evans said. "That's something I've been looking for."

But Evans didn't downplay his season sitting out.

"I don't know too many people from the Bronx or New York that can sit out a season and then win a championship. I'm playing with a great team and a great coach," he said. "I thank God for that."

Evans said he wasn't about to let an opportunity like that pass him by. What would he be doing had he not stuck his neck out and gone for his dreams?

"I think about it a lot," Evans said. "I'd still be watching UK playing on TV."

And now his teammates, friends and family are watching him on television. He played in every game last season, putting up big numbers in the NCAA Tournament. He averaged nine points and five rebounds per game during tournament play, not to mention a scorching 62.5 percent from the field.

Smith said Evans has improved his ballhandling, outside shooting and has proven he can provide in pressure situations.

Arguably the best sixth man in the nation last season, Evans is already an all-conference candidate this season. It's like going from a redshirt to becoming an integral part of a NCAA Championship team. What about two years in a row?

"I think we'll make it," he said.

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