It’s not often a player like Evan King will show up on your roster. It’s even rarer for a player of such a caliber to be playing against his equally talented best friend.

The senior has broken countless records in his four-year stint with Michigan, and will wear the maize and blue for just one more tournament. But if he’s going to leave his mark, he’ll have to do it by beating his longtime best friend, Georgia’s Nathan Pasha.

King is set to make his third-straight appearance in the NCAA Singles Championships in Urbana, Ill., and the 2013 Big Ten Athlete of the Year will have his hands full with Pasha in the first round.

“He’s a big guy with a big game, and it stinks that we have to play so early,” King said.

By International Tennis Association standards, King is set to earn All-American Honors for the third-consecutive year. As Michigan’s lone representative, King will look to become the third Wolverine to win the NCAA Singles Championship — and the first since 1982.

“Winning the title would be awesome,” King said. “It would be incredible to end my career in that way and you couldn’t ask for much more. I would probably also get a banner, which is cool.”

King has won 26 of his last 27 matches dating back to January 6, but will have his hands full in his match against Pasha. Despite only being a sophomore, Pasha has had a very successful year and in his latest match, nearly beating the nation’s second-ranked player, Virginia’s Alex Domijan.

“I know his game very well, and he knows mine,” King said. “But I’ll go out there ready, and will be fired up to get the W. He’s a good player, and I can’t say anything bad about him.”

King, however, has been tough to beat, and rose up to each challenge that's been in his way. Michigan’s wily veteran relies on good footwork, and consistency, to grind out matches and tire opponents.

King has said before that there isn't a true weakness in his game, but in order to dominant he needs to find one or two true weapons. And just at the right moment, King has found them, as he has been serving better than ever while developing a strong forehand.

These strokes will be especially important against Pasha, who, like King, is a consistent, athletic player. When two players face off with similar styles, the player who does the small things better, and plays a smarter game, comes out on top.

“I’m going to have to play well,” King said. “I have to return well and serve well and most of all just compete like I have all season.”

Earlier in the season, King became the all-time wins leader at Michigan and will only look to further his total in the NCAA Tournament.

“I’m feeling confident,” King said. “I ended my season well, and I’m definitely ready to get out there to play.”