Dana Evans is a prominent American professional basketball player, celebrated for her dynamic skills on the court and her contributions to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Born on August 1, 1998, in Gary, Indiana, to Shwanada and Damon Evans, Dana grew up in a family that nurtured her athletic talents from a young age.
Raised alongside her siblings, she developed a competitive spirit and a passion for basketball that would propel her to success in both collegiate and professional arenas.
Currently playing as a guard for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA and Beşiktaş in the Turkish Super League, Dana has established herself as a key figure in women’s basketball, known for her scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive prowess.
Siblings
Dana is one of five children in her family, with three brothers and one sister who have been integral to her support system throughout her life and career.
Her brothers are Damon Evans Jr., Justin Mitchell, Lawrence “DJ” Jones and Deja Evans.
Her parents, both of whom played basketball at South Suburban Junior College in Chicago, fostered an environment where sports were a significant part of family life.
Together, these siblings have provided Dana with a foundation of love, support, and motivation, helping her overcome obstacles and celebrate her achievements.
Career
Evans began playing basketball in the fourth grade and quickly excelled, earning recognition for her defensive skills and scoring ability.
At West Side Leadership Academy in Gary, Indiana, Dana became a standout player, averaging over 35 points per game in her senior year and leading her team to three Class 4A sectional titles.
Her exceptional performance earned her a spot in the McDonald’s All-American Game, making her the first girl from Gary to achieve this honor.
After high school, Dana committed to the University of Louisville, where she played for the Cardinals from 2017 to 2021.
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During her collegiate career, she evolved from a bench player to a star, earning the ACC Sixth Player of the Year in her sophomore season and later becoming the ACC Player of the Year in both 2020 and 2021.
She finished her Louisville tenure with a remarkable record of 122-15, the best winning percentage in program history, and contributed to four regular-season conference titles.
In the 2021 WNBA Draft, Dana was selected 13th overall by the Dallas Wings.
Shortly after, she was traded to the Chicago Sky, where she made an immediate impact, helping the team win the WNBA championship in her rookie year.
Her role with the Sky expanded over the years, with increased playing time and career-high statistical averages in 2023.
In 2024, Dana joined the Las Vegas Aces, bringing her skills to one of the league’s most competitive teams.
Additionally, she plays for Beşiktaş in the Turkish Super League, showcasing her versatility and global presence in the sport.
Throughout her professional career, Dana has demonstrated her ability to adapt and excel, averaging 7.2 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 rebounds per game in the 2024 WNBA season with the Sky.
Accolades
Evans’ career is decorated with numerous accolades that reflect her excellence on the court and her impact on the game.
In high school, she was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2017, a Naismith High School All-American in 2016, and a USA Today All-Indiana First Team member in 2016.
She also led her team to three Class 4A Sectional Championships and was a finalist for Indiana Miss Basketball in 2017.
During her time at the University of Louisville, Dana earned the title of ACC Player of the Year in both 2020 and 2021, along with ACC Sixth Player of the Year in 2019.
She was recognized as a WBCA First-Team All-American in 2021, an AP Second-Team All-American in 2020, and a USBWA Second-Team All-American in both 2020 and 2021.
Additionally, she was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2018 and contributed to four ACC Regular Season Championships and an ACC Tournament Championship in 2018.
In her professional career, Dana won a WNBA Championship with the Chicago Sky in 2021 and was selected to the WNBA All-Rookie Team that same year.
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