A veteran coach of over two decades in college basketball, including five as a head coach, Bruce Evans rejoined the North Florida basketball staff in July of 2016 as an assistant coach.
Evans returned to UNF following a four-year stint as the Director of Player Development at Georgia Tech (2012-16). He was involved in 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.
Prior to Tech, Evans had his first tenure with the Ospreys working three years (2009-12) as an assistant coach. He helped lead the team during its transition to the Division I level and was a part of several early milestone victories and accomplishments. 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.
His inaugural 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. Evans was inducted into the Furman Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
Following his collegiate career, the Simpsonville, S.C., native played one year of professional basketball in Turkey. He attended Hillcrest High in Simpsonville.
Evans and his wife, Conserverina, have two sons, Colin and Warren.
