Jon Scheyer’s Private Talks with Isaiah Evans Reveal NBA Draft Realities and Unfinished Business at Duke Basketball for 2025 Run
Duke basketball’s modern era under Jon Scheyer continues to evolve with high expectations, high-profile recruits, and the constant balancing act between immediate collegiate success and future NBA aspirations. One of the biggest conversations circling the Blue Devils this offseason has revolved around the decision-making process of sophomore wing Isaiah Evans, a five-star recruit who showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman year but faces critical decisions about his future. Central to that decision is a series of candid, thoughtful, and strategic conversations between Evans and head coach Jon Scheyer — conversations that may very well shape the outlook of Duke’s 2024-25 season and Evans’ long-term professional ambitions.
For Scheyer, the dialogue isn’t just about persuading a player to stay. It’s about presenting a vision. A vision where Evans doesn’t just return for another college season, but elevates his game, solidifies his draft stock, and helps restore Duke to national title contention. And for Evans, who arrived in Durham with the polish of a pro-ready scorer but still raw in some areas, this was about figuring out whether his time under the bright lights of Cameron Indoor Stadium was enough — or if one more year could truly change everything.
From the very beginning, Isaiah Evans made it clear that the NBA was his ultimate goal. That’s the case for nearly every elite-level recruit walking through Duke’s doors. But the NBA Draft isn’t just about talent — it’s about timing, polish, fit, maturity, and trajectory. In those areas, Evans’ freshman year raised as many questions as it did answers. While his athleticism, shot-making, and length were unmistakable assets, his efficiency, consistency, and defensive rotations still left room for growth. NBA teams noticed, but so did Jon Scheyer.
Behind closed doors, Scheyer’s message was never rooted in fear or manipulation. He didn’t try to scare Evans about the draft process or diminish his freshman accomplishments. Instead, he presented the reality. In-depth analysis of where Evans currently stood in scouts’ eyes — late first-round to mid-second-round territory — and what he could be with one more dominant year in college.
“Isaiah has everything it takes to be a high-level NBA player,” Scheyer reportedly told those close to the program. “But the question isn’t if — it’s when. Coming back doesn’t delay the dream. It builds the foundation for it.”
This message resonated with Evans, particularly because it wasn’t one-sided. Scheyer gave him space. He laid out film, data, comparisons, and asked for Evans’ thoughts. He wanted Evans to see the gaps himself — the breakdowns on defense, the moments he disappeared in games, the stretches where his shot selection overshadowed his elite potential. In those conversations, Evans began to see something bigger than a rushed jump to the league. He began to see the power in development.
What helped was that Scheyer wasn’t just selling Evans on himself — he was selling him on Duke’s mission. The 2024-25 Blue Devils are shaping up to be loaded with a mix of veteran returners and explosive newcomers. Evans wouldn’t just be a piece; he’d be a leader. A tone-setter. The kind of two-way wing that could swing March Madness games and dominate the ACC. The kind of player whose highlight reels would no longer be filled with flashes — but full games of dominance.
That kind of role would do more than help Duke win. It would change Evans’ entire perception in the eyes of scouts. No longer a risky upside pick — but a polished, battle-tested player ready to contribute from day one in the league.
For Evans, there was also the realization that the NBA isn’t going anywhere. Declaring too early might get him into the league faster, but could trap him in the G League or on the back end of a roster. Coming back to Duke meant control — control over how he was perceived, how he developed, and what kind of rookie contract he could ultimately sign.
Scheyer’s tone was honest but encouraging. He pointed to recent examples of Duke players who improved their stock with an extra season: Kyle Filipowski, Mark Mitchell, and Jeremy Roach, all of whom refined their games by coming back, adding maturity, strength, and experience to their profiles. Scheyer laid out not just the “why” of returning — but the “how.” He promised specific development plans: better usage, more touches in high-leverage situations, expanded defensive assignments, and a leadership role in Duke’s locker room.
Evans appreciated that. In a world of transactional recruiting, Scheyer made the moment relational. It wasn’t “come back because we need you.” It was “come back because you deserve the best shot at your dream — and this is how we get you there.”
What tipped the scales even more was the energy Evans saw in offseason workouts. Duke’s roster isn’t just talented — it’s hungry. With key returners like Caleb Foster, Tyrese Proctor, and a potential breakout candidate in sophomore big Sean Stewart, the foundation is in place. Add in the arrival of elite freshman big man Khaman Maluach and the sharp-shooting freshman Kon Knueppel, and Evans began to visualize the potential of something special.
“We could run the table,” Evans was overheard telling teammates. “Like, not just make the tournament. Win the whole thing.”
That fire was something Scheyer wanted to see. Not just a player staying for development, but a player returning with a mission. That kind of mentality transforms teams — and seasons.
Still, it wasn’t an easy decision. Evans and his family went through the full process: mock drafts, agent interviews, team evaluations. Some teams loved his upside and considered him a sneaky first-rounder. Others wanted to see more consistency, more defensive maturity, and better playmaking off the bounce. The feedback loop reinforced what Scheyer had said all along — the talent was there, but the leap needed more.
By June, Evans had his answer. He informed Scheyer he was coming back. Not just to wear the Duke jersey, but to elevate the standard. To dominate. To win. And to make sure that when he declares for the 2026 NBA Draft, there will be no questions left.
The significance of Evans’ return can’t be overstated for Duke. In an era where elite talent often leaves after one season regardless of readiness, having a former five-star return to enhance his stock is rare. But it sends a message — not just to Duke fans, but to future recruits — that Jon Scheyer’s program is built for long-term success, not just one-and-done hype.
Evans’ decision could also create ripple effects for how Scheyer recruits and develops wings in the future. By giving Evans a clear developmental roadmap, open communication, and the leadership role he wanted, Scheyer demonstrated how to retain elite talent in the NIL era while still preparing them for the pros.
As summer workouts roll into fall practices, Evans is already showing signs of a transformed player. Leaner, stronger, more vocal. He’s taken younger players under his wing, is demanding more in scrimmages, and is embracing his role as the go-to guy. His jumper looks smoother, his defensive footwork quicker, and his decision-making tighter. NBA scouts will be watching — and so will the nation.
Jon Scheyer’s conversation with Isaiah Evans was more than a pitch. It was a pivotal moment — one that may have rewritten both Evans’ career path and Duke’s 2024-25 destiny. In an era full of quick exits, the choice to stay — to build — may end up being the most powerful move of all.
And if Evans delivers the breakout year Scheyer believes he’s capable of, the NBA won’t just come calling — it’ll be waiting with open arms.
