Add R.J. Evans to UConn's 'Berlin Wall'

Leon Tolksdrof said he's heard the nickname "The Berlin Wall." I've always thought the "Teutonic Trio" would be a better nickname for UConn's three German-born players, Niels Giffey, Enosch Wolf and Tolksdorf.

But that may not work anymore, either. Giffey, Wolf and Tolksdorf won't be the only Husky players who will be greeted by family when UConn faces Michigan State in Germany on Nov. 9. R.J. Evans, the Holy Cross transfer and graduate student, has German roots, as well.

Evans' paternal grandmother was born in Germany. Ottile (Mauser) Evans came to the United States in the 1950's and currently lives in Queens. She has only been back to Germany a few times over the years "for funerals and stuff," Evans said. But when the Huskies head to Germany in November, R.J. will get a chancenot only to travel out of the U.S. for the first time but to finally meet some nephews and cousins with whom he's talked on the phone before but never met face-to-face.

"It should be fun," he said. "I've got a lot of family over there in Frankfurt that I've never seen before. Going over there will be a good opportunity to see family I've never seen."

So, guess it's time for a different nickname for UConn's German brigade.

“They say we have four Germans on the team, because of me," Evans said. "We’re basically Team Germany over here.”

*** Meanwhile, NBA.com did its fourth annual rookie survey, polling league rookies on who they thought would be Rookie of the Year, have the best NBA career, etc.

Jeremy Lamb and Andre Drummond each got votes in a couple of different categories. Lamb finished third (10.8 percent) in the Best Shooter category, and also received votes for Funniest Rookie (did I miss something the last two years in Storrs?).

Drummond, meanwhile, finished tied for fourth for Most Athletic (11.8 percent, with Dallas's Jared Cunningham), and received votes for Best Defender.