Jon Scheyer and Isaiah Evans Discuss NBA Draft, Development Goals, and a Return to Duke to Finish Unfinished Business in 2025

Jon Scheyer and Isaiah Evans Discuss NBA Draft, Development Goals, and a Return to Duke to Finish Unfinished Business in 2025

Jon Scheyer, entering his third season as Duke basketball’s head coach, has already navigated the complexities of modern college basketball better than most of his peers. From managing elite recruiting classes to dealing with the intricacies of the transfer portal and NIL negotiations, Scheyer’s calm and calculated approach has kept the Blue Devils firmly planted among the national elite. One of his most intriguing recent conversations involved rising sophomore Isaiah Evans, a hyper-talented wing whose freshman season flashed promise but ultimately didn’t lead him to the 2025 NBA Draft — at least not yet.

Isaiah Evans arrived at Duke as part of a heralded recruiting class, bringing with him sky-high expectations. A consensus five-star prospect out of North Carolina, Evans was celebrated for his length, smooth scoring ability, and defensive upside. But the adjustment to the college level is rarely seamless, especially under the bright lights of Cameron Indoor Stadium and with the immense pressure that comes with being a Duke Blue Devil. His freshman year was filled with moments of brilliance, but it also included stretches of inconsistency — something that Scheyer believed could be turned into an advantage with the right mindset and development plan.

After the season, conversations around Evans’ draft stock began to swirl. Some outlets had him mocked as a late first-round pick. Others placed him solidly in the second round, noting his raw athletic tools but citing a need for polish and maturity in his game. Rather than rush the process or push Evans toward a decision, Scheyer took a more personalized approach.

Sources close to the program say Scheyer spent hours in one-on-one meetings with Evans, not just talking about basketball, but about legacy, leadership, and the long-term vision. According to those familiar with the discussions, Scheyer’s message was direct but supportive: “You’re good enough to get to the NBA. The question is, how do you want to get there — as a complete player or as a project?” That perspective resonated with Evans, who had seen firsthand what a second year at Duke had done for players like Kyle Filipowski and Jeremy Roach.

One major focus of their conversations was development — not just statistical improvement, but meaningful growth in all facets of the game. Evans had shown an ability to score in spurts, particularly in transition and on straight-line drives, but his perimeter shooting had been inconsistent, and his off-ball defense sometimes lagged. Scheyer mapped out a comprehensive offseason plan, working with Duke’s staff to develop a tailored training program that would sharpen Evans’ shooting mechanics, improve his footwork, and build on-court confidence.

Equally important was Scheyer’s insistence on cultivating Evans’ leadership. With Filipowski, Roach, and Mark Mitchell gone to the NBA and other professional opportunities, Duke’s roster is younger and less experienced than it’s been in years. Scheyer made it clear to Evans that his return would come with responsibility — not just to perform, but to guide and inspire the next generation of Blue Devils. In the past, such roles were reserved for upperclassmen, but with today’s one-and-done culture, leadership often comes from the most talented voices in the room, regardless of age.

In conversations that reportedly spanned multiple weeks, Evans and his family wrestled with the decision. The allure of the NBA — the money, the status, the opportunity to compete at the highest level — was real. But so too was the opportunity to return to Duke as the featured piece of a team with national championship aspirations. According to insiders, one of the pivotal moments came when Scheyer showed Evans tape comparisons — not just of his freshman season, but of NBA players with similar builds and skill sets who had taken the time to develop in college before making the jump.

Scheyer’s pitch wasn’t about fear or caution. It was about preparation and confidence. “You’ll get to the league,” he told Evans, “but let’s make sure you’re ready to stay there.”

Ultimately, Evans made the decision to return, announcing in early July that he would forgo the 2025 NBA Draft and come back to Duke for his sophomore season. The reaction from Blue Devil fans was electric — in an era when top prospects often jump ship after one year regardless of readiness, Evans’ return was seen as a win for both him and the program.

For Scheyer, it was a validation of the culture he’s trying to build. While many programs are defined by constant churn and transactional relationships, Duke continues to operate on a foundation of trust, growth, and mutual investment. Scheyer’s ability to retain a player of Evans’ caliber for another season speaks volumes about his communication style and the belief players have in his development pipeline.

The implications for Duke’s 2025 campaign are massive. With Evans returning as the likely centerpiece, the Blue Devils have a legitimate go-to scorer who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and create offense in isolation. His presence will take pressure off younger players and transfers, allowing them to develop at their own pace. It also adds continuity in a college basketball landscape where returning stars are increasingly rare.

Evans’ decision could also set a precedent. In recent years, the narrative has shifted from “how fast can you get to the NBA?” to “how ready are you when you arrive?” Scheyer, in his conversations with Evans, leaned into this evolution, emphasizing that a longer college career doesn’t diminish a player’s future — it often enhances it. Several recent Duke alums, including Tre Jones, Grayson Allen, and Luke Kennard, benefited from multiple years under the Duke system and entered the NBA with stronger fundamentals and mental toughness.

For Evans, the upcoming season will be about more than individual accolades or draft buzz. It will be a chance to show that he’s not just a highlight-reel player, but a complete two-way force. Expect him to take on expanded defensive assignments, initiate more of the offense, and embrace a leadership role that goes beyond the box score.

Off the court, Evans has also embraced the Duke community in ways that go unnoticed by national scouts. From charity events to youth clinics, his commitment to the program extends beyond the hardwood. Scheyer often speaks about building “program guys,” and Evans’ return cements his place in that lineage — someone who believes in the vision, puts in the work, and leaves a lasting impact.

As for Scheyer, the Evans situation reflects a broader trend in his coaching philosophy. Rather than pushing players out the door or rushing them into the professional world, he takes the time to understand their goals, their strengths, and their timelines. It’s a blend of old-school mentorship and modern flexibility — a style that is increasingly rare but clearly effective.

The road to the 2025 Final Four is still long, and challenges await. But with Evans leading the charge and Scheyer pulling the strings, Duke enters the season not just with talent, but with purpose. Their story will be about more than wins and losses — it will be about growth, second chances, and the power of belief in the face of pressure.

Isaiah Evans may have passed on the NBA for now, but with another year of seasoning and leadership, he’s setting himself up to not only make the league — but thrive in it. And with Jon Scheyer guiding the way, the future for both player and program looks brighter than ever.