Mary Hart- Sports Information Director
Photo courtesy of USU Eastern
Price, UT — Utah State University Eastern proudly celebrates Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Evans, who was officially inducted into the Southern Utah University (SUU) Athletics Hall of Fame this past weekend, honoring his tremendous contributions to collegiate basketball and his lasting impact on the sport.
Evans, a coaching veteran with more than four decades of experience, is revered not only for his achievements on the court but also for his unwavering commitment to student-athletes and their development. Before joining Utah State Eastern, Coach Evans made a lasting mark at SUU, serving as the Thunderbirds’ head coach from 1992 to 2007. During his tenure, he led SUU to one of its most successful eras, including the program’s first and only NCAA Tournament appearance in 2001.
His induction into SUU’s Hall of Fame recognizes more than wins; it honors a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and excellence. At SUU, Evans compiled over 200 wins, recruited and developed numerous all-conference players, and established a culture of grit and determination that still echoes through the program today.
“Coach Evans is a legend in Utah basketball,” said USU Eastern Athletic Director Jess Brinkerhoff. “His induction into SUU’s Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to the decades he’s dedicated to growing the game. We’re incredibly proud to have him leading our program here at Eastern.”
Since taking the helm at USU Eastern, Coach Evans has brought that same high standard of excellence to the Eagles, helping elevate the program in the competitive Scenic West Athletic Conference. His deep knowledge of the game, coupled with a tireless work ethic, has made an immediate impact on and off the court.
In addition to his time at SUU, Evans also served as head coach at Idaho State University and held assistant coaching roles at the University of Alaska Anchorage and Montana. Over the years, his teams have consistently embodied discipline, teamwork, and resilience, hallmarks of Evans’ coaching style.
As Coach Evans continues to lead and inspire the next generation of student-athletes at USU Eastern, this Hall of Fame recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary career he’s already built and the legacy that’s still being written.