In a move that underscores its commitment to competitive excellence, the University of Cincinnati has hired Corey Evans, a longtime scout for the Oklahoma City Thunder, as the new general manager of its men’s basketball program.
Evans, who spent nearly five years with one of the NBA’s most respected front offices, brings extensive talent evaluation experience to the Bearcats.
From NBA Scouting to College Leadership
Evans’ hiring continues a growing trend of Thunder scouts transitioning into collegiate GM roles. Evans played a key role in Oklahoma City’s draft process, contributing to the evaluation of emerging NBA talents such as Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, and Cason Wallace—expertise that will now benefit Cincinnati.
Sources: Cincinnati has hired Oklahoma City Thunder scout Corey Evans as the school’s new men’s basketball general manager. He’s worked for the Thunder for nearly five years and was part of the draft process for players like Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace. pic.twitter.com/acbWkxnxCx
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 31, 2025
His background positions him to reshape Cincinnati’s basketball operations. Before joining the Thunder in 2020, he spent four years as a national recruiting analyst at Rivals.com, where he built an extensive network across the high school and college levels.
His responsibilities at Cincinnati will span multiple facets of roster management, including scouting and recruiting at the high school, international, and transfer portal levels.
Evans’ hiring reflects the shifting landscape of college basketball, where player acquisition now involves a broader, more global approach.
NBA Influence Reshaping College Basketball
Evans’ appointment is part of a broader trend of NBA personnel moving into key roles at the collegiate level. Programs are increasingly adopting professional-style strategies in scouting, coaching, and player development.
Cincinnati’s decision to bring Evans on board aligns with the modern recruitment model, which emphasizes analytics and global scouting—an approach similar to NBA franchises. His experience with the Thunder’s international scouting operations could prove valuable as college programs expand their overseas recruiting efforts.
Evans will work closely with head coach Wes Miller on roster construction, player retention, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) management. His addition signals Cincinnati’s intent to embrace a professional approach to team-building amid an evolving college basketball landscape.
As the transfer portal continues to play a pivotal role in roster development, Evans’ ability to identify NBA-level talent will be a major asset in Cincinnati’s recruiting efforts. His deep understanding of player development, from high school prospects to international recruits, could give the Bearcats a competitive edge in the Big 12 Conference.
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While official statements remain limited as of March 31, 2025, Evans’ hiring suggests a strategic vision aimed at building a championship-caliber team through professional-level basketball management.
The move not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for sustained success in a rapidly evolving college basketball environment.
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