Buckle up, Duke fans—Isaiah Evans is on the verge of exploding onto the college basketball scene! This rising sophomore guard could be the secret weapon that propels the Blue Devils to ACC dominance. But here's where it gets exciting: with a talented freshmen influx shaking things up, Evans might just redefine what it means to be a versatile wing player. And this is the part most people miss—his potential isn't just hype; it's backed by raw stats and unrealized talent waiting to shine.
Once again, Duke has claimed the top spot in the ACC's preseason rankings (as detailed on theacc.com), outpacing Louisville as the favorite to win the conference title for the 2025-26 season. A significant reason for this optimism lies in the team's stellar incoming freshman class, poised to make an immediate splash and elevate the program's overall play.
Leading the charge is Cameron Boozer, the standout recruit hailed as the class's crown jewel, who earned the ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year honor. Boozer was also selected to the first All-ACC team, alongside another Blue Devil on the second team (check out si.com for the full list). This recognition underscores the high expectations for these young talents right from the jump.
Yet, for those keeping an eye on the returning players, Isaiah Evans—a sophomore guard—seems ripe for a major leap forward. Listed among the Blue Devils slated for expanded responsibilities in 2025 (per si.com's coverage), Evans could be gearing up for a breakthrough performance that captures national attention.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-6 inches, Evans carved out a niche as one of Duke's top long-range shooters last season. A whopping 80% of his attempts came from beyond the arc, where he drained 41.3% of his three-pointers—a testament to his sharpshooting prowess. Picture a player who can stretch the floor and open up the court for teammates, much like how sharpshooters in the NBA like Steph Curry revolutionize offenses with their range.
Previously a bench contributor, Evans is now anticipated to slide into a starting lineup spot, sharing minutes with freshman phenom Dame Sarr. His scoring average last year hovered at 6.8 points per game, but with a wave of new big men arriving in Durham, offensive duties might shift outward, giving Evans more opportunities to light it up. This redistribution could be a game-changer, allowing him to showcase his scoring versatility in ways we haven't seen yet.
One aspect of his game that's often overlooked is his ability to take on defenders one-on-one and drive to the hoop. Most of his shots from the previous season were catch-and-shoot opportunities, as bigger stars like Cooper Flagg (featured on si.com) drew defensive focus. This upcoming year represents a golden chance for Evans to prove he's not just a stationary threat but a dynamic force capable of creating his own shot—think of it as evolving from a reliable sidekick to a lead hero in a blockbuster film.
On the defensive end, Evans' lanky build positions him as a steal machine, with potential to disrupt backcourt plays and spark fast-break chances. His large frame gives him a natural edge for swiping balls and turning defense into offense.
That said, here's where it gets controversial: consistency on defense remains a question mark for Evans, given his reputation as an offensive dynamo. Critics might argue he's too focused on scoring to fully commit to locking down opponents, potentially leaving Duke vulnerable in key moments. And this is the part that sparks debate—does prioritizing offense over defense make a player selfish, or is it just smart specialization in today's high-scoring game? For beginners, imagine it like a chess piece: a bishop thrives by moving diagonally, but it might not guard every square perfectly.
At a slender 180 pounds, Evans would benefit from bulking up his frame with added muscle and strength to better hold his ground. Without it, his lack of physicality could turn him into a defensive liability against stronger, more aggressive competitors—a classic case of needing to match power with power in the trenches.
Evans entered the scene as the No. 3 small forward in the 2024 recruiting class, trailing behind former Duke standout Kon Knueppel (profiled on si.com), who was drafted fourth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in June's NBA Draft. With Knueppel now in the pros, the path is clear for Evans to emerge as one of the nation's premier scorers, potentially joining the ranks of breakout stars who redefine college basketball.
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What do you think—will Isaiah Evans live up to the hype and become Duke's next superstar, or is the pressure too much for this slender sharpshooter? Do you believe offensive specialists like him should focus more on defense, or is that an outdated expectation in modern hoops? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's debate!
