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Evans solid in Jazz's summer league win

MAITLAND, Fla. -- Figuring out the progress of Gordon Hayward and the improvement of Kosta Koufos hasn't been that hard so far.

Tracking Jeremy Evans just by the box score of a summer league game is another story.

Yeah, the lottery pick looked good Thursday -- Hayward hit all four of his shots in Utah's 91-74 rout of New Jersey Thursday afternoon and Koufos reached double figures again, registering a team-high 14.

But what to make of Evans, the Jazz's second round pick out of Western Kentucky, who is lumped among those players whose minutes are distributed so incredibly even? Getting 11 players at least 10 minutes is downright impressive.

Thursday's stat line -- three free throws and two rebounds --- will not make message board chatter, nor will the four-day average of 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds. But the fact that Evans' minute total is up there with Hayward, Koufos and third-string point guard Sundiata Gaines shows the Jazz are giving the rookie a good look.

"We know what he can do," Jazz director of player personnel Walt Perrin said of Evans. "We want to see what else he can do. He's active and he's coachable. We like what we see."

Perrin was impressed with an Evans rotation during Wednesday's loss to Indiana where his defensive rebounding brought the Jazz back to within contention after an early 20-point deficit. On Tuesday, he had six points, five rebounds and two blocks when Utah beat Orlando. His pro debut? Didn't even touch the ball Monday.

"I'm getting confident," Evans said. "The key is to get comfortable and get a feel for what your teammates can do, then you understand your role."

Evans is 6-9, but will see action further away from the post after racking up 1,000 points, 750 rebounds and 200 blocks during his college career.

"I played the perimeter in high school, so I can make the adjustment back," Evans said.

Utah, now 2-2, concludes summer league play starting at 8 p.m. Friday against Philadelphia.

THURSDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: In addition to Hayward's break-out game, Rod Benson delivered a nice game for Utah with 12 points and six rebounds on 5-8 shooting ... New Jersey's Terrence Williams led all scorers with 23 and had a highlight-worthy dunk over James Augustine ... Former Jazz first-round pick Eric Maynor is averaging 14.3 points for Oklahoma City here ...Former Utah State standout Jaycee Carroll is Boston's second-leading scorer, averaging 14.8 a game.

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