Earl Joseph Evans II was born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, where he became one of the most celebrated basketball players in the city’s history. A 1974 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School, Evans was a three-year letterman under legendary coach James Gamble, averaging an astounding 28 points and 19 rebounds per game. During his senior year, he was named Texas High School Player of the Year, selected as a Parade All-American, and was regarded among the top players in the nation—often ranked just behind fellow prep standout Moses Malone.

 

He was also chosen to compete in the National High School All-Star Games in New York and Kentucky. Coach Gamble, who himself is enshrined in the Texas High School Sports Hall of Fame, once said, “Without a doubt, he was the best player I’ve ever coached and one of the best high school players I’ve ever seen.”

​

After being recruited by major universities nationwide, the 6′8″ forward chose to sign with the University of Southern California (USC). Following two seasons with the Trojans, he transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he emerged as one of the program’s leading scorers. In his senior year, Evans averaged 17.9 points per game and earned recognition as one of the top forwards in the Western Athletic Conference. After his senior season, he was selected in the eighth round (157th overall) of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

​

Evans joined the Pistons for the 1979–80 NBA season, appearing in 43 games and averaging 4.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. One of his most memorable moments came when he outplayed future Hall of Famer Larry Bird in the Pizza Hut All-Star Classic following his senior season—a performance that cemented his reputation as one of the most gifted players to emerge from Southeast Texas.

​

Though injuries shortened his professional career, Evans remained admired for his skill, humility, and passion for the game. His remarkable journey—from Port Arthur playgrounds to the NBA—continues to inspire young athletes throughout the region.