Maliq Brown Reveals Which Duke Blue Devils Freshman Has Made the Biggest Impression During Offseason Summer Workouts in Durham
The Duke Blue Devils are entering the 2025 college basketball season with plenty of eyes on them, as usual. With a top-tier recruiting class and a group of returning veterans looking to make a deep March run, the expectations are sky-high in Durham. But as summer workouts unfold and preseason chemistry starts to take shape, one name has already started separating from the pack — a newcomer whose work ethic and game have quickly caught the attention of returning players. And according to junior forward Maliq Brown, it hasn’t taken long for that impression to solidify.
Brown, who transferred to Duke this offseason from Syracuse, is among the more experienced players on the team and someone whose voice already carries weight in the locker room. A hard-nosed defender and high-motor player known for doing the dirty work, Brown’s perspective is respected, especially when it comes to sizing up teammates in practice. When asked who among the incoming freshmen has impressed him most this summer, he didn’t hesitate before naming five-star guard Isaiah Evans.
The praise came after a grueling afternoon workout at the team’s facility in Durham, where Brown spoke to reporters about the intensity of Duke’s summer sessions. “Everybody’s working, and the energy is great. But Isaiah? Man, that guy just doesn’t stop,” Brown said. “He came in with something to prove, and you can feel it every time we hit the floor. You can’t teach that.”
Evans, a Charlotte native, arrived on campus with a strong reputation as a scorer and big-moment performer. At 6-foot-6 with long arms, elite footwork, and a scorer’s mentality, he led North Mecklenburg High School to multiple deep playoff runs and was a McDonald’s All-American in his senior year. But it’s not just his talent that has impressed Brown and others. It’s how Evans has approached every drill, every scrimmage, and every moment of his introduction to high-level college basketball.
“He’s always asking questions, staying after to work on his handle, watching film with the coaches. He doesn’t act like a freshman,” Brown added. “He’s one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever been around.”
That kind of praise is significant coming from a player like Brown, who has earned his reputation through grit, hustle, and consistent improvement. During his two years at Syracuse, he was a vital piece on both ends of the floor and a leader by example. Now, in a new environment, he’s one of the few upperclassmen being counted on to guide this new wave of talent. His early endorsement of Evans is not just lip service — it’s a reflection of what’s happening behind closed doors.
Head coach Jon Scheyer, entering his third season at the helm, has built a roster that blends experience and elite potential. Veterans like Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster are back, giving the team continuity in the backcourt, while incoming freshmen like Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach bring undeniable star power and long-term upside. But amidst the hype surrounding those names, it’s Evans who has managed to carve out his own buzz among players.
Brown recalled a recent team scrimmage where Evans hit four straight contested jumpers over different defenders, then got back on defense to force a turnover. “He wasn’t just scoring; he was leading. Talking, encouraging guys, diving for loose balls,” Brown said. “That’s when I was like, yeah, this dude’s real.”
And it’s not just one flash in the pan. According to team insiders and assistant coaches, Evans has been the most consistent freshman in terms of daily effort, coachability, and readiness. His ability to adapt to the pace and physicality of the college game has been noted, as has his maturity off the court. One staffer described Evans as “a silent killer” — someone who doesn’t talk much but lets his game and drive do all the talking.
That bodes well for Duke’s hopes this season. While Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, will understandably draw much of the attention, it’s players like Evans who could elevate the team from good to great. His ability to create his own shot, knock down perimeter looks, and defend multiple positions gives Scheyer added flexibility, especially if Evans proves capable of playing big minutes early.
Brown believes the dynamic between the newcomers and returners is already taking root in a positive way. “We’re not waiting until October or November to build chemistry,” he said. “It’s happening now, in the gym, in the weight room, at team dinners. We hold each other accountable.”
That accountability has extended into competitive workouts where veterans and freshmen have been mixing it up without hesitation. Coaches have even allowed older players like Brown and Proctor to lead certain drills, emphasizing leadership development while creating a peer-driven culture. It’s in those moments that Brown says Evans shines brightest — “He steps up. He doesn’t shy away. That’s rare.”
For Evans, the adjustment to Duke life seems to be happening smoothly. He’s embraced the spotlight without being overwhelmed by it, a key trait for anyone stepping into one of the most scrutinized basketball programs in the country. Whether it’s battling in practice or staying after hours to perfect his midrange shot, he’s making a name for himself by outworking everyone around him.
“He’s gonna be a problem for a lot of people,” Brown said with a grin. “Once he gets comfortable and lets it fly like we’ve seen in practice, it’s a wrap.”
And while it’s still early — well before the first official tipoff — it’s performances like this in summer that often lay the foundation for breakout freshman campaigns. In the case of Isaiah Evans, the groundwork is clearly being poured with intention and intensity.
Brown’s insight into the team dynamic also suggests that the roster is buying into the mission of the upcoming season. “We know what’s at stake,” Brown said. “We know the standard here, and we’re working like we want to be a part of Duke history. And when you see a young guy like Isaiah going that hard? That pushes everybody else to raise their level.”
It’s a positive sign for a team that will once again be chasing conference and national titles. With experienced leadership and talented newcomers, Duke has the pieces in place. But it’s how those pieces mesh — and who steps into roles early — that could determine just how far the Blue Devils can go.
If you believe Maliq Brown, Isaiah Evans may be one of those difference-makers. The kind of freshman who doesn’t just blend in but demands attention. The kind of player who leaves summer workouts with more than just sweat on his jersey — he leaves with respect.
“He’s one of those dudes,” Brown said. “We’re lucky to have him.”
The countdown to the season is already underway in Durham, and if early summer indications are any sign, Isaiah Evans is not waiting for permission to make an impact. With a veteran like Maliq Brown already singing his praises, it’s clear that the young guard has something special. Now the rest of the basketball world will just have to wait and see it for themselves.
