Jeremy Evans and Courtney Lee Prep for 2014

Oct 7, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Courtney Lee starts the first Boston Celtics preseason game against the Toronto Raptors. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
If WKU is known for anything, it is it’s basketball program. From everything to the arena the Hilltoppers play in to the number of conference championships that hang in the Diddle Arena rafters, WKU basketball is one of the premire programs in all of mid-major sports, if not in the entire nation.
Over the past few years, a couple of former WKU players have made their presence known in the NBA. Courtney Lee (’08) and Jeremy Evans (’10) are quietly making more and more of a name for themselves in the Association. During the two’s time on the Hill (as they played together for 2 seasons), they helped guide WKU to 2 Sun Belt Eastern Division titles and one NCAA birth after winning the SBC Tourney in 2008, the same year the Tops made the Sweet 16.
With the Tops, Lee averaged 31.2 minutes per game, 17 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, and shot 81% from the free throw line. Lee was taken 22nd overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. Lee was traded to the (then) New Jersey Nets in 2009, the Houston Rockets in 2010, and last off season, was a part of a 3 team deal that sent him to the Boston Celtics, where he remains for the time being.
Lee started Boston’s first preseason game on Monday at guard, and played just over 32 minutes of ball. Lee finished the evening with 7 points, 3 assists and 2 boards as the Celtics fell to the Toronto Raptors 97-89. Lee is penciled in to start again tonight as the Celtics take on the Knicks. And, if you’re into that sort of thing, you can watch him and all the action on NBATV. Tip-off is set for 7:30.
Evans, who was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft, averaged 23.5 minutes per game, just under 8 points a game, and 6 boards a contest. Evans also has participated in the past 2 NBA Slam Dunk contests, and winning the 2012 edition.
Keep it here to Wave The Red Towel for updates on these two throughout the season, and we will continue to bring you coverage of former Hilltoppers now playing professionally.
Stand up and cheers (and go Jazz and Celtics!).