Isaiah Evans, a freshman in basketball for Duke, faces a crucial decision.

In the high-stakes world of college basketball, the line between opportunity and uncertainty can be razor-thin. For Duke freshman Isaiah Evans, the 2024-25 season has been a whirlwind of flashes, frustrations, and formidable expectations. A former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Evans entered the storied halls of Cameron Indoor Stadium amid fanfare and optimism. Now, just months into his college journey, he finds himself at a career-defining crossroads: stay the course in Durham and develop under new leadership, or test the waters of professional basketball or the transfer portal.

At the heart of Evans’ dilemma lies the shifting foundation beneath Duke basketball. Following the departure of key veterans and the early exits of high-profile teammates to the NBA Draft, the Blue Devils have entered a state of flux. More critically, the recent coaching transition—whether hypothetical or actual depending on current developments—has reshaped the program’s internal culture, raising new questions about fit, development, and trajectory for its young stars.

For Evans, whose game is built on a blend of elite scoring instincts and high-motor athleticism, the challenge isn’t talent. It’s timing, role, and trust in the process.

The Promise and the Pressure

Coming out of North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, North Carolina, Isaiah Evans was touted as one of the most prolific scorers in the nation. At 6-foot-6 with a wiry frame and smooth shooting stroke, he led all players in scoring at the prestigious Nike EYBL circuit, averaging over 25 points per game. His commitment to Duke in May 2023 was seen as a major recruiting win for head coach Jon Scheyer, a continuation of the Blue Devils’ dominance on the recruiting trail.

Evans entered the 2024-25 season with sky-high expectations, projected by many to be one of Duke’s breakout freshmen. But as often happens in college basketball, reality proved more complicated. Sharing the floor with fellow elite recruits and upperclassmen meant fewer touches and minutes than Evans was used to. His streaky shooting—while at times electric—also revealed inconsistencies. By February, Evans was averaging just 7.8 points per game in limited minutes, a far cry from his projected output.

Still, his flashes kept fans and scouts intrigued. A 21-point outburst against Virginia Tech on 6-of-9 shooting from deep reminded everyone of his ceiling. His energy on defense and ability to create off the dribble improved steadily. He was far from a bust—just a player still searching for his foothold in the crowded ecosystem of high-major basketball.

Changing Dynamics and Coaching Uncertainty

One of the biggest variables complicating Evans’ future is the changing face of Duke’s leadership. If Jon Scheyer remains the head coach, Evans will need to weigh whether he’s part of Scheyer’s long-term plan. If a coaching change occurs, the calculus becomes even more complex. A new coach may bring new priorities, new schemes, and possibly a reduced role for a player like Evans whose strengths are rooted in offensive freedom.

Scheyer’s vision of team basketball and defensive accountability has both benefited and constrained scorers like Evans. While Evans has grown in his understanding of help defense and ball movement, some around the program feel that his talents would shine brighter in a system built around his scoring prowess—potentially in the NBA G-League Ignite, overseas, or even with another college program that could offer a feature role.

“Isaiah has all the tools,” one NBA scout told The Athletic anonymously. “But he needs the reps. He needs a green light. Right now, he’s not getting either consistently at Duke.”

Transfer Portal Temptations

The NCAA’s relaxed transfer rules have fundamentally altered the decision-making process for players like Evans. In the past, leaving a blue-blood program like Duke after just one year might have seemed premature or risky. Today, it’s practically routine. Players can transfer once without penalty and immediately play for a new team.

Evans would be one of the most coveted players in the portal if he chose that route. Multiple Power Five programs reportedly showed interest in him even before he signed with Duke. Teams in the SEC, Big 12, and Big East would likely offer him a more central offensive role and the promise of heavy minutes.

But transferring also comes with risks. A new environment doesn’t always guarantee success. Chemistry, coaching fit, and team culture all play crucial roles in player development. For Evans, who is just starting to acclimate to the college lifestyle, uprooting again could disrupt the slow-but-steady progress he’s made at Duke.

Moreover, there’s the question of legacy. Staying at Duke—fighting through adversity, earning a bigger role, and contributing to the team’s success—could elevate Evans’ story from cautionary tale to comeback triumph. The Blue Devil faithful have seen this before with players like Jeremy Roach, who weathered early struggles to become a program leader.

The NBA Dream: Too Soon or Just in Time?

Then there’s the professional route. Evans is eligible to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft, and while he’s not currently a projected first-rounder, his stock could rise with strong workouts and interviews. His physical tools and scoring upside make him an intriguing developmental prospect.

Several former high school stars have gone pro despite lukewarm freshman years—Banking on potential rather than production. And with the NBA’s G-League and overseas opportunities more lucrative and structured than ever, going pro no longer means jumping into uncertainty.

Still, scouts say Evans may benefit more from another year of seasoning—ideally in a system where he can play through mistakes and showcase his full offensive toolkit.

“He’s a guy who could be a riser in next year’s class,” said one NBA front office executive. “But right now, he’d be a gamble.”

Voices in the Locker Room

Evans’ decision doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Those close to him—teammates, coaches, mentors, and family—are undoubtedly weighing in. Sources around the program describe him as introspective and loyal, someone who believes in fulfilling commitments but is also deeply aware of his own potential.

Teammates have spoken highly of Evans’ work ethic. “He’s in the gym more than anybody,” one upperclassman told The Duke Chronicle. “He wants to be great. He just needs a chance to show it.”

It’s unclear what Duke’s roster will look like next season, with multiple players exploring the NBA Draft or transfer portal themselves. A significant roster shakeup could open the door for Evans to assume a more prominent role, especially if he’s one of the few returning rotation players.

The Broader Picture: Duke and the Modern Game

Evans’ story is emblematic of the challenges facing both players and programs in modern college basketball. The days of waiting patiently for two or three years to develop are over. Players are judged—and judge themselves—on a much shorter timeline. Fans expect instant impact. Coaches face pressure to balance development with results. And the allure of NIL, professional contracts, and more player agency means loyalty can be fleeting.

For blue-bloods like Duke, the stakes are even higher. Retaining top talent is not just about tradition anymore; it’s about fit, opportunity, and vision. Evans’ decision will likely send a message—not just about his own future, but about the direction of the Duke program under its current trajectory.

What Comes Next

As of mid-April 2025, Evans has not publicly announced his intentions. He’s reportedly weighing his options carefully, talking with coaches, family, and professional advisors. Duke’s staff remains hopeful he’ll stay. NBA evaluators are watching closely. And fans—who have only seen glimpses of what he can do—are left wondering: what if?

Whatever he chooses, Isaiah Evans has the talent to succeed. Whether that future plays out in Durham, elsewhere in college basketball, or on a professional stage, the next few weeks will be critical.

For now, he stands at the intersection of promise and pressure. The next move is his.

Isaiah Evans came to Duke to become a star. Whether that star rises in the friendly confines of Cameron Indoor Stadium or under brighter, more distant lights depends on the decision he makes now. In a sport defined by moments, this is his. The question is not just where he will go—but who he will become.