London, Friday 7 August - The London Lions are delighted to announce the signing of American point guard Keenan Evans on a season-long loan from Žalgiris Kaunas ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Evans has agreed a deal with Žalgiris and will spend the coming season in London, reuniting with a coaching group he knows well. He arrives with an impressive résumé, having established himself as one of Europe’s premier guards through spells with Žalgiris Kaunas, Maccabi Tel Aviv and, most recently, Greek giants Olympiacos.
A proven leader and elite playmaker, the 6'3" guard has performed at the very highest level of European basketball. During the 2023-24 EuroLeague season with Žalgiris, Evans played all 34 regular season games and averaged 17.3 points and 3.9 assists, posting an 18.3 performance index rating at an MVP-calibre level and earning recognition as one of the competition’s most dynamic offensive talents.
Evans moved to Olympiacos in the summer of 2024, but the past two seasons have been disrupted by injury, limiting his time on the court. Now, with his rehabilitation reported to be ahead of schedule and fully focused on the next chapter of his career, he arrives in London bringing elite experience, leadership and a winning mentality to the Lions’ backcourt.
He will find plenty of familiar faces in the capital. Lions Head Coach Tautvydas Sabonis was part of the Žalgiris coaching staff during Evans’ time in Kaunas, as was assistant coach Gintaras Krapikas, giving Evans a settled and trusted environment as he returns to the floor.
The Lions’ backroom team carries further Lithuanian connections through assistant coach Vytautas Pliauga and strength and conditioning coach Domantas Tautkus.
London Lions General Manager Martynas Purlys believes the signing reflects the club’s ambitions moving forward.
“Keenan Evans is a player who has consistently proven himself at the highest level of European basketball. His talent, leadership and winning mentality make him an outstanding addition to our roster. Bringing a player of Keenan’s calibre to London is another statement of our ambition as a club and reflects the direction in which the London Lions organisation is moving.
“We are building a team capable of competing at the highest level, and we believe Keenan will play a key role in that journey. We are excited to welcome him to London and look forward to seeing the impact he will have both on and off the court.”
A former standout at Texas Tech, Evans brings years of EuroLeague experience and championship-level pedigree to the Lions as the club prepares for a season in both domestic competition and European play. His arrival marks another significant addition to a roster built to compete at the highest level.
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