Early Years
Evans was born in Hobbs, New Mexico, the son of Gladys (née Spirlin), a home cleaner, and Oscar, a preacher and janitor. Robert was the fourth of seven children, all of whom would go on to graduate college.
Evans played high school basketball at Hobbs High School under legendary coach Ralph Tasker. His senior year he was named co-captain. That year the team made it to the 1964 championship game and Evans was invited to the state all-star game in Albuquerque.
Evans played junior college basketball at what is now Lubbock Christian University where he was named the school’s first All-American. Both seasons he played at Lubbock Christian Evans was voted the teams’ best defensive player. In his second year with the team Evans was named team captain. In 1966 Evans earned his Associate’s degree in Arts and Sciences. At Lubbock Christian Evans was teammates with Gerald Turner who would later become Chancellor of the University of Mississippi. Turner was instrumental in Evans’ hiring as head basketball coach in 1992.
Evans transferred to New Mexico State University for the 1966-67 season where he was coached by Lou Henson. He was named team captain and led the Aggies to a 15-11 record and a NCAA Tournament appearance. The next season Evans again captained the team to a 23-6 record and another NCAA Tournament appearance. In 1967 Evans was selected NMSU’s most outstanding athlete. In May 1968 Evans earned his bachelor’s degree in education.
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