Dana Kiana Evans Bio
Dana Kiana Evans is an American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces of the Women’s National Basketball Association and for Phantom BC. A two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Basketball Player of the Year at the University of Louisville, she was drafted by the Dallas Wings with the 13th overall pick of the 2021 WNBA draft. Evans has made significant contributions to her teams, showcasing her skills as a point guard and shooting guard throughout her career.
Early Life and Background
Dana Kiana Evans was born on August 1, 1998, in Gary, Indiana. Growing up, she did not start playing basketball until the fourth grade, but she quickly excelled in the sport. Recognized for her defensive skills, she received an offer to play college basketball from Valparaiso University while still in the sixth grade. Evans made history as the first girl from Gary to participate in the McDonald’s All-American Game, and in her senior year, she averaged over 35 points per game, leading her high school, West Side Leadership Academy, to three Class 4A sectional titles.
Path to Basketball
As one of the top recruits in college basketball, Dana Evans committed to the University of Louisville, where she made an immediate impact. In her freshman year, she was named to the ACC All-Freshman team in 2018. By her sophomore year, she had transitioned into a key player, earning the ACC Sixth Player of the Year award after averaging over 10 points per game off the bench. In 2020, she became the first player in ACC history to go from winning the Sixth Player of the Year to being named the ACC Player of the Year, a title she also secured in 2021.
Dana Kiana Evans Career
Early Career (2021)
Dana Evans began her professional career when she was drafted by the Dallas Wings in the second round of the 2021 WNBA Draft. Shortly after, on June 2, 2021, she was traded to the Chicago Sky. With the Sky, Evans quickly established herself as a backup point guard and contributed to the team’s success, helping them secure the 2021 WNBA Championship title against the Phoenix Mercury. She was also recognized for her performance by being named to the 2021 WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
In the 2022 WNBA season, Evans made her first career start and achieved a personal best by scoring 24 points in a game. However, her playing time fluctuated throughout the season due to the arrival of another point guard, Julie Allemand. The Chicago Sky faced challenges in the playoffs, ultimately losing in the semifinals. The following season, Evans’s role expanded as several key players departed from the team. Although she did not assume the starting role, her playing time increased significantly, and she recorded career-high averages in various statistical categories. The Sky made the playoffs but were swept in the first round by the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces.
Notable Works and Milestones
Dana Evans’s signature achievements include being a two-time WNBA champion in 2021 and 2025, as well as being named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2021. Her accolades during her college career include being a two-time ACC Player of the Year and a First-team All-American in 2021.
Dana Kiana Evans Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Dana Evans has received several nominations and accolades, including recognition as a standout player in both college and professional basketball.
Dana Kiana Evans Awards Won
Dana Evans has achieved notable awards, including two WNBA championships and multiple All-American titles during her college career. These accomplishments highlight her talent and dedication to the sport.
Dana Kiana Evans Family
Information regarding Dana Evans’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Dana Evans is known to be a Jordan Brand athlete, showcasing her connection to the brand through her performance on the court. She designed her own player-exclusive version of the Jordan Tatum 2, which was worn by Jayson Tatum in the 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
