Wisconsin forward Ryan Evans is one of the worst free throw shooters in the nation, but free throw shooting has not always been a weakness for the senior. Last year, Evans shot a respectable 73% from the line. Through 28 games with the Badgers this season, that number has done an incredible nosedive to a mind-boggling 41%.
Confidence is clearly an issue for Evans, which is why he recently decided a change in approach was needed. During Tuesday’s 77-46 win over Nebraska, Evans went 2-for-2 from the free throw line by shooting jump-shots. He finished the game with 14 points and seven rebounds.
According to the Wisconsin State Journal, Evans said he is going to stick with the new method as long as it works.
“It worked tonight, so I’m going to keep it going,” he said. “It felt good. I feel a lot more confident out there.”
You don’t always have to look pretty to be effective. Whatever Evans was doing before he introduced the jump-shot certainly wasn’t working, so who can blame him for switching it up? With Wisconsin looking to make a deep push into the tournament, they’ll need free throws from their starters to fall. Maybe Evans is onto something.
Here’s another look at him practicing the jump shot free throws before the game:
Chest bump to Eye on College Basketball
