North Carolina point guard Kyan Evans says growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, shaped his game and outlook. A standout at Staley High School, Evans knows the attention that comes with being an athlete from the area. He has often heard comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, a spotlight he admits follows many athletes from his hometown.
UNC Guard Kyan Evans Reflects on Kansas City Legacy, Patrick Mahomes Parallels
North Carolina point guard Kyan Evans has quickly adjusted to life in Chapel Hill, but his Kansas City roots remain a central part of his story. On the “Carolina Insider” podcast with Jones Angell and Adam Lucas, Evans recalled how often he hears comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“Kansas City, you got a little Patrick Mahomes vibe going on. I’m guessing that’s not the first time you’ve heard that,” he was asked. Evans responded, “No. Yeah. And I mean in Kansas City, I hear all the time.”
The comparisons have even followed him onto the court in lighthearted ways. At a fantasy camp, Evans remembered talking trash to another player.
“One of the players on the other team… looks over. He was like, ‘Hey, Pat Mahomes, be quiet.’ I was like, ‘All right.’ I was like, ‘That’s cool. That’s cool.’” Evans admitted he hears it often but views it positively. “Pat was a blessing for Kansas City, too. Brought some rings. So it was a good good little connection, though, for sure. There’s worse guys to get compared to. I think that’s fair to say.”
Evans’ transition to North Carolina has been smooth, partly because of his experience transferring from Colorado State.
“Does Carolina feel like home yet? Yeah, I mean, for sure. It’s so early, too. And I think I’m just so comfortable. I’m also older, so it’s hard to compare it to my first few months like of college at Colorado State. But from being here four months already or so, I’m super comfortable and feel like all the people around are family.”
The adjustment also comes with physical differences.
“I remember going out and practicing and playing for the first time in Colorado, and my chest was just hurting. It felt like you just lost air or something. But got out here now, we’re kind of low. Sea level almost. So, it’s a lot different. Feel like I can run a little while.”
Beyond the comparisons to Mahomes and the acclimation to a new program, Evans emphasized the community at UNC:
“The amount of people that come back and talk to us and want to see us succeed and say, you know, whatever I can do to help, just reach out and truly mean it. I think that’s just different. That’s not everywhere. And a lot of places just aren’t capable of it.”
For Evans, the combination of his Kansas City foundation, confidence in his game, and the welcoming culture at North Carolina has created the right environment as he begins this next chapter.