Isaiah Evans, a freshman in basketball for Duke, faces a crucial decision.
In the storied halls of Cameron Indoor Stadium, where banners dangle like echoes of past glory and every dribble feels steeped in history, a freshman phenom finds himself at a pivotal crossroads. Isaiah Evans, Duke’s sensational first-year forward, is facing one of the most critical decisions of his young basketball career: whether to remain with the Blue Devils for another season or to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft.
At just 19 years old, Evans has drawn national attention not just for his stat line—but for his style, swagger, and potential to become a face of the next basketball generation. With scouts drooling over his length, shot-making ability, and unteachable instincts, Evans has become both the present and future of Duke basketball. But will his future stay rooted in Durham?
A Season to Remember
Isaiah Evans’ freshman campaign began with flashes of brilliance. A five-star recruit out of North Carolina, Evans entered the program under the watchful eye of second-year head coach Jon Scheyer. Listed at 6-foot-7 with a silky-smooth shooting stroke and wiry athleticism, Evans brought a unique combination of length and skill rarely seen at the collegiate level.
Despite early inconsistency, his raw talent was undeniable. Over the course of the season, Evans averaged 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 46% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. His ability to create off the dribble and make tough shots in isolation situations proved vital for a Duke team that, at times, struggled to generate offense in the half court.
“I’ve never seen a freshman come in with that kind of confidence,” said Duke senior Jeremy Roach. “Isaiah isn’t afraid of the moment—he thrives in it.”
Evans’ defining performance came during the Sweet Sixteen matchup against Arizona. With Duke trailing late, Evans poured in 22 second-half points, including a game-winning step-back three that sent the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight. That singular moment catapulted Evans from “freshman with promise” to “household name.”
The NBA Buzz Grows Louder
By March, the NBA noise around Evans had grown deafening. League scouts began flooding Duke games, and executives were spotted in the lower rows during conference play. Word quickly spread: Isaiah Evans was now viewed as a potential lottery pick.
His draft stock is bolstered by his measurables—a nearly 7-foot wingspan, fluid athleticism, and an ability to guard multiple positions. In an NBA increasingly dominated by versatile wings who can shoot, switch, and slash, Evans is seen as a perfect modern-day prospect.
“Isaiah Evans has the tools to be a top-10 pick,” said one anonymous NBA executive. “He needs polish, but you can’t teach what he has. He’s long, confident, and can score in bunches. That’s the foundation of a star.”
Still, not all scouts are sold. Some question his physical maturity and his strength against NBA-level defenders. Others wonder if one more year at Duke could elevate him to a top-5 pick with fewer question marks.
“The upside is there,” said ESPN analyst Jonathan Givony. “But staying another year could solidify him as a franchise cornerstone rather than a project.”
Weighing the Options
For Evans, the decision is far from simple. Declaring for the NBA Draft would mean achieving a lifelong dream—and a payday in the millions. But remaining at Duke offers a chance to grow under Scheyer, contend for a national title, and become a campus legend.
Several factors loom large:
1. Development vs. Opportunity
While Evans impressed as a freshman, there are areas of his game that need refining. He can sometimes force shots and struggle with decision-making in transition. At the NBA level, mistakes are punished faster and more severely. Staying at Duke would give him a more controlled environment to develop his playmaking and court awareness.
2. NIL Incentives
In the modern era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), college stars like Evans no longer have to rush to the league for financial reasons. Sources close to the program suggest that Duke’s NIL collectives could offer Evans a seven-figure package to stay—making the college route more financially competitive than ever before.
3. Legacy and Leadership
Another year in Durham could allow Evans to etch his name alongside Duke greats. Next season, he could be the undisputed face of the program—a leader for incoming freshmen and a media darling. That kind of legacy is invaluable and rare.
4. Draft Class Competition
The 2025 draft class is shaping up to be strong, with names like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper already drawing top-three buzz. By contrast, the 2026 class may provide a clearer path for Evans to rise higher in the lottery with more experience under his belt.
Coach Scheyer’s Influence
Head coach Jon Scheyer, himself once a heralded Duke guard who had to make tough choices about his career, has been tight-lipped about Evans’ pending decision—but his support for his star player is evident.
“Isaiah has had a phenomenal season,” Scheyer said after Duke’s Elite Eight loss. “He came in, worked hard, learned fast, and embraced the spotlight. Whatever decision he makes, he’ll have our full support. But if he comes back—we’ve got something special brewing.”
Sources inside the program say Scheyer has pitched Evans on a vision of domination—building a team around his talents, giving him full offensive reins, and letting him play his natural position full-time. That freedom, combined with the loyalty of Duke fans, could make staying more appealing than it once was.
Teammates Weigh In
Fellow freshman Jared McCain, who’s also contemplating a jump to the pros, acknowledged that he and Evans have talked “a lot” about the decision.
“We’re both just taking it day by day,” McCain said. “The league is always going to be there. But college is different. The bond you build here, the experiences—it’s something special.”
Senior captain Ryan Young added, “If Isaiah returns, he’s a National Player of the Year candidate, no question. He can be that guy for Duke.”
Family at the Center
Evans has credited his family—especially his mother—with grounding him throughout the season. In press conferences, he’s spoken about wanting to “make the right decision, not the fast one.”
“I trust my mom more than anyone,” Evans told reporters. “We’ll sit down, pray on it, and do what feels right.”
His family, known for valuing education and stability, could influence a decision to stay, especially if the development path at Duke offers a clearer route to long-term success.
Social Media Speculation
As expected, fans and insiders have flooded social media with predictions, rumors, and pleas. Hashtags like #StayIsaiah have trended on Duke Twitter, while others have interpreted his cryptic Instagram posts as a sign that he may be leaning toward the draft.
In one post, Evans shared a photo of Cameron Indoor with the caption: “This place changed my life.” Interpretations ranged from a heartfelt goodbye to a simple acknowledgment of the moment.
Whether calculated or spontaneous, his social media activity has only added to the mystery.
What’s Next?
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft is April 28, giving Evans just under two weeks to make his choice. He could opt to test the waters by declaring without signing with an agent, maintaining his eligibility—a route many players use to gauge feedback.
Duke’s offseason recruiting is also impacted by his decision. If Evans returns, the Blue Devils become instant Final Four favorites. If not, Scheyer will have to find reinforcements through the portal or lean more heavily on the incoming class.
Regardless of his choice, Evans’ impact on Duke in just one season has been profound.
A Legacy Already Written?
In the end, Isaiah Evans’ decision will come down to more than basketball. It will be about growth, timing, and trust—in himself, in those around him, and in the process of becoming who he’s meant to be.
He arrived in Durham as a high school sensation. He may leave as a pro. Or, perhaps, he’ll stay just a little longer—to chase history, hang a banner, and write the next great Duke chapter.
For now, the college basketball world holds its breath.
