Kazlo Evans Jr Returns for 2025
In the next move for the Saints 2025 season, guard Kazlo Evans Jr. is set to rejoin the Mills Albert Wellington Saints, rekindling his partnership with Head Coach Aaron Young. The duo previously achieved remarkable success at St Kentigern College, culminating in a national championship victory in 2019.
During his tenure at St Kentigern College in Auckland, Evans Jr. was instrumental in leading the team to the 2019 Secondary Schools National Championship. His outstanding performance included a memorable game in May 2021, where he scored 47 points, featuring 12 three-pointers against Mt Albert Grammar. Reflecting on their shared history, Coach Aaron Young remarked:
"Kazlo Jr. is family. We shared 3 special years together at Saint Kentigern College where we both grew as individuals. Our relationship goes beyond hoops, so having the chance to reconnect and work together is something I’m grateful for. Love his attitude to compete and how he embraces his underdog mentality. That edge he brings fits the DNA of our group."
Evans Jr. made his NZNBL debut with the Nelson Giants in 2023, appearing in four games. He then joined the Wellington Saints in 2024, where he showcased his playmaking abilities by setting a career-high of five assists in a dominant 122-88 victory over the Manawatu Jets on June 5, 2024. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the Sky Broadband Rapid League All-Star Five, underscoring his rising prominence in the league.
The 2025 season marks a reunion between Evans Jr. and Coach Young, a partnership that has previously yielded success. Expressing his enthusiasm, Evans Jr. stated:
"Excited to return to Welly for 2025 and connect with my National Championship winning Coach Aaron Young. A great coach doesn’t just teach you how to play the game, they teach you how to live life with integrity, hard work, and resilience and I’m looking forward to continuing this in 2025."
Basketball runs deep in the Evans family. Kazlo Evans Sr., a former NBL player, has been a significant influence on his son's career. Evans Jr.'s early achievements include being named MVP at the 2020 U17 National Championships after leading Waikato to the title.
Kazlo joins, locals Rangimarie Dougall-Mita, Izayah Lea’fa, Troy Plumtree, NBL defensive player of the year; Shea Ili, Australian Nick Marshall and fellow Hamilton brother Hyrum Harris in the growing 2025 Squad.
