Mustangs Score with Another Aussie

Posted: Jun 13, 2021

Auburn, ME – Head Men's Basketball Coach Dave Gonyea is pleased to announce Marshall Evans, a 6'1" guard and 2020 graduate from Launceston College in Smithton, Tasmania Australia will be joining the squad this fall.

Coach Gonyea explains, "it didn't take me long to like Marshall. He is a humble guy who I see has a strong upside. I received an email from another aussie who is now playing D-1 in California telling me all about Marshall. In all the years I have coached, I had never had a present player at the division one level advocating for another player. It reinforces my mindset me how tight and connected the aussies are and how they look out after each other."

"After spending considerable time researching and speaking with Marshall, I concluded he could be a valuable player in our system. His physical make up reminds me of our first aussie, Pietro Badalassi. P was a rock solid, tough, physical player (who turned out to be an all American) and I see the same features from Marshall. I am looking forward to seeing him in the red and black, Gonyea added."

Marshall answered the questions below:

* Why did you choose CM?

I decided to commit to CM because I felt that it would give me a great opportunity to progress myself as a person and player but also to use as a stepping stone to get to a pro level. The family feel that I got from coach was also a huge factor in the decision to come here. Having guys such as Corey David reaching out also influenced the decision, knowing that I will have a leader that I can learn off and push me every day is also huge.

What did you like most about the campus?

I think what I will enjoy most about the campus is the 24/7 access to gym plus the court and all facilities are close to the dorms. I will enjoy the bond that will develop with my team mates by living closely on campus and this will help build a connection both on and off the court.

How do you think playing college basketball will differ from your previous experience?

The college experience will give me a professional approach to the game, being around the team everyday whether it be at practice or just hanging out will help me understand what pro's go through on a day to day basis. Back in Australia we only have 2 team practices a week as well as our 1 game a week so you don't really spend that much time together outside of that. At home it's also a semi-professional league so you basically grow up playing against bigger guys and men from a young age which I feel will help me with the transition to the college level.

What are you most looking forward to about attending and playing basketball at CM?

I'm mostly looking forward to the experience at the college level. I'm super excited to get with the team and start getting to work, the guys seem great and I feel like it'll be a fun season with the hopes to play deep into the year.

What do you think you can bring to the team next year?

Off the court I feel like I'll be a real energy and intensity guy, someone who can bring the guys together whether we are up or down. On the court I'll be a spark on the defensive end, as well as being someone who will knock down open shots and get guys open.

Describe your basketball experience.

I feel like my basketball experience is pretty high, I've competed at three National Junior championships which is the highest level of competition in Australia. At these national championships I have won a bronze medal putting up 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the final. I've played in a semi-professional men's league since I was 14 and have debuted in Australia's NBL1 South competition this year for my home club the North West Thunder.

What is your biggest strength in basketball?

My biggest strength is my effort on the defensive end. Being able to go out and want to bring myself into the game by getting stops or making it hard for other teams to score against me.

Marshall offered the following quote:

"The fact you aren't where you want to be should be enough motivation"

Basketball Achievements

2021

NorthWest Thunder Squad (NBL1)
U/20 Tasmanian State Team (National Championships)
Wynyard Wildcats (NWBU) Mens – Starter
- PPG – 15.3
- RPG – 4.7
- APG – 3.8
- SPG – 1.8

2020

NorthWest Thunder Squad (NBL1)
U/20 State Team Starter (National Championships) Bronze Medalist – 3^rd ranked team in Country
- PPG – 7
- RPG – 3.8
- APG – 2.2
- SPG – 1.4
Smithton Saints (NWBU) Mens
Wynyard Wildcats (NWBU) U/22 - Starter

2019

U/18 State Team (National Championships)
State Development Program – Basketball Tasmania
Advanced Basketball Academy – Basketball Tasmania
Smithton Saints (NWBU) Mens
Smithton Saints (NWBU) U/22 Starter
- PPG – 17.3
- RPG – 4.1
- APG – 5.9
- SPG – 1.5

2018