Victor Evans’ inspiring lessons still resonate

By Sedrick Durr

JA Sports Writer

Winning can serve as the ultimate elixir at any level of competition regardless of the sport or activity in which a person or group engages. But according to local champion basketball coach Victor Evans, a winning result does not always create a winning culture. 

Evans’ lessons include how you compete matters. Consequently, it is this way of thinking, in addition to his gritty efforts, that led to his individual success and the prosperity of the basketball programs he has managed.

Among the prestigious awards Evans has received is the 2001 National Prep School Coach of the Year from the Tennessee-based National Association of Christian Athletes. 

He readily acknowledges any accolades, championships, or proverbial climbs to the mountaintop are nice but only serve as examples of a bigger picture – the development and a positive quality of life for young people.

Evans’ basketball coaching journey began after returning from New Mexico where he played professionally with the Albuquerque Silvers. Evans aimed for a lifestyle that was something bigger than himself. With interest in becoming resourceful in conjunction with his basketball prowess, the former Wiley College standout started coaching and channeled his enthusiasm towards elevating at-risk youth.

In 1999, Evans accepted the task of building a program at Christ Missionary & Industrial College (CM&I) in Jackson.

“It began with a struggle,” said Evans. “Our biggest challenge was brushing off the misconceptions that made it difficult to recruit students. We didn’t have a recognizable program from a prominent standpoint initially, but we managed to build it and create a path for our kids to succeed.”

In the early years of Evans’ tenure, CM&I took on a number of top programs. It became the first Black basketball program to participate in the Mississippi Private School Association (MPSA). The Crusaders were able to showcase talents among many schools, including Jackson Academy, Hillcrest, and Madison Ridgeland Academy. The early demonstration of hardwood skills led to frying bigger fish in a short period of time.

By 2002, CM&I won the Overall MPSA Championship with a 35-7 record. This was in addition to being crowned Class A Champion. 

While dancing at the top of the basketball world was a rewarding experience, Evans’ most gratifying moment was witnessing the rewarding results of the teamwork on behalf of his student athletes.

“I told my kids that they knew the challenges. They just had to take them head on,” Evans said. “Don’t ever quit on yourself; the obstacles you face in the gym are similar to some of the obstacles that you will face in life.”

Evans did not sit on past success. In 2005, he moved from CM&I to Genesis One Christian School in Mendenhall. Although the location was different, the goals were the same for the Callaway graduate. 

“It was about changing the culture,” he said. “There was very little support around basketball circles, particularly in the metro area, but we built a foundation on discipline and a regime on wearing uniforms and going to class. This minimized our students from participating in gang activity and other interests that could create negative setbacks,” Evans explained.

As a result, the Genesis One culture led to the production of scholarships for many students who went on to do positive things.

With the success of both programs in mind, Evans approached a gauntlet of challenges, whether it was the budget, limited donations, poor facilities, or recruiting setbacks. Progress was made with volunteers and a desire to improve each day.

As a result of his efforts and resilience, Evans’ message and contributions still resonate throughout the city of Jackson. 

In 2011, he founded the Southern Sports & Athletics (SSA). It is an AAU basketball club that trains youth in basketball skills and promotes positive personal development. SSA personifies Evans’ love for the game and his dedication to community and kids.

“I still work to provide a path for our youth in order to improve our neighborhoods,” Evans said. “Yes, we would love for our players to win national titles, earn scholarships to college, and position themselves to play professionally. And if they play above and beyond their level of talent, that could happen with some. However the biggest goal is about producing good citizens.”

Evans continues his work to produce young talent. He has helped hundreds of players reach the next level.