In college basketball, the difference between good and great often comes down to timing, opportunity, and the ability to see the floor in ways most players cannot. For the Duke Blue Devils, that difference has quietly emerged in the form of sophomore guard Isaiah Evans, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter from Fayetteville, N.C., who has transformed into one of the most “contagious” playmakers on the team this season.
What started as a promising freshman campaign has evolved into a breakout sophomore year that has left coaches, teammates, and fans taking notice — and in ways that go far beyond the stat sheet. In just seven games this season, Evans has not only elevated his scoring but also his passing, court awareness, and leadership on the floor, creating a ripple effect that has energized the Duke locker room and reshaped the Blue Devils’ offensive flow.
From Rookie to Sophomore: A Statistical Leap
Evans’ freshman year at Duke was quiet but promising. Across 36 appearances, he totaled 18 assists, averaging just 1.5 per 40 minutes — respectable for a rookie but hardly eye-catching. His scoring was limited, and his role as a facilitator often came secondary to more established stars.
Fast-forward to the 2025-26 season, and the story has changed dramatically. Through just seven games as a sophomore starter, Evans has already racked up 15 assists — an average of 3.6 per 40 minutes. His scoring has nearly doubled, sitting at 13 points per contest, while his efficiency has improved across the board: 42.4% from the field, 35.6% from three, and an astounding 90.5% from the free-throw line. His contributions don’t stop there; Evans is averaging 3.4 rebounds, 0.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game — all signs of a player maturing into a multi-dimensional contributor.
“It’s extremely fun, especially when he sticks the shot,” Evans said after a recent game, referencing one of his passes that led to a wide-open three by freshman forward Nikolas Khamenia. “But [Duke head coach Jon Scheyer] says those plays are contagious. So, those are just the type of plays I like to make.”
The Moment That Changed Everything
Observers might point to a specific moment in Duke’s 93-56 rout of the visiting Howard Bison as the turning point in Evans’ development. Early in the second half, Evans made a decision that perfectly captured his new approach: rather than taking a contested three from the wing, he threaded a pass to Khamenia for a clean look at the basket. Not only did Khamenia knock it down, but Evans’ anticipation — raising his hand as the ball left Khamenia’s hand — signaled a player beginning to read the floor at a professional level.
That one play encapsulates what Scheyer and the coaching staff have been noticing all season: Evans’ growth as a facilitator is “contagious.” By setting the tone with his decision-making and court vision, Evans elevates the players around him, opening lanes, creating space, and generating confidence. The Blue Devils aren’t just getting points from his passes — they’re getting an entire offensive rhythm that flows through his awareness.
“Isaiah’s playmaking is infectious,” Scheyer said after practice earlier this week. “When he’s seeing the game and making the right pass, everyone else feels it. It spreads to our shooters, our big men in the post, even our defense. That kind of energy is priceless.”
Beyond the Numbers: Leadership in Action
It’s easy to quantify Evans’ contributions with statistics, but the intangible elements of his game might be even more significant. In the locker room, he has emerged as a vocal leader, guiding younger players and reinforcing the team’s offensive principles. His interactions with Khamenia — one of the freshman stars — have been particularly noteworthy, as Evans ensures his teammates are in the right positions, making smart cuts, and maintaining spacing.
The respect for Evans extends beyond his teammates. Opponents have begun to notice his ability to orchestrate the game without dominating the ball or forcing plays. In every game, Evans is quick to adjust, identify mismatches, and exploit defensive weaknesses — all while maintaining a calm, collected presence that belies his age.
“Isaiah just makes everyone around him better,” said a Duke assistant coach. “He’s not trying to be the hero; he’s trying to be the guy who makes everyone else look good. And the crazy part? He’s getting better at it every single game.”
A Stepping Stone: Thanksgiving Challenge
This week, Evans and the Blue Devils are heading to Chicago to face No. 22 Arkansas in the United Center as part of the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic. The matchup is already highly anticipated, and Evans’ ability to facilitate will be critical against a Razorbacks defense that excels in rotation and contesting shots.
“There’s going to be a lot of competition, a lot of tests,” Evans said ahead of the trip. “We’re going to see who’s the tougher team at the end of the day.”
Arkansas will focus on limiting Duke’s stars, and that puts Evans in a prime position to shine. His ability to read defenses, anticipate double teams, and find open teammates could prove decisive in a game where every possession matters. If he continues his “contagious” playmaking, Evans could turn the Blue Devils’ offense into an unstoppable machine.
Contagious Energy: The X-Factor
What makes Evans’ development so intriguing is the concept of “contagion.” In basketball, a player who can influence not just the scoreboard but the psyche of a team is rare. It’s one thing to average points or assists; it’s another to create a culture of confidence that spreads to every player on the court.
Scheyer has emphasized this repeatedly: when Evans makes the right read, it sets off a chain reaction. Post players like Kyle Filipowski find themselves with cleaner looks near the basket. Shooters like Khamenia or other perimeter threats get open shots. Even the defense benefits, as opponents are forced to respect Evans’ vision, opening driving lanes and disrupting rotations.
“Isaiah’s growth isn’t just statistical; it’s psychological,” Scheyer said. “He’s teaching everyone how to trust each other on the floor. That’s the hallmark of a great floor general.”
The Sophomore Breakout: A Lesson in Patience
Looking back, Evans’ path to this point highlights patience, hard work, and the importance of adapting to new roles. As a freshman, his opportunities were limited, and he had to learn to adjust to the speed, physicality, and tactical complexity of college basketball. His first season offered lessons but few accolades.
This sophomore season, however, is a culmination of those lessons. Evans has become more assertive, making confident reads while still respecting the game’s flow. He’s taken ownership of his role as facilitator, balancing scoring, passing, and defensive responsibilities.
“It’s been about trusting my instincts,” Evans said. “I’ve learned from last year, from mistakes, and from watching my teammates. Now I feel like I know where I need to be, who I need to help, and how to create for everyone.”
Breaking Down the Stats
To illustrate the magnitude of Evans’ growth, consider a quick statistical snapshot:
Category Freshman Year Sophomore Year (Through 7 Games) Improvement
Assists 18 (1.5 per 40 mins) 15 (3.6 per 40 mins) +140%
Points per Game 6.8 13.0 +91%
Field Goal % 37.5% 42.4% +4.9%
Three-Point % 31.0% 35.6% +4.6%
Free Throw % 85% 90.5% +5.5%
Rebounds 2.1 3.4 +1.3 per game
Steals 0.3 0.6 +0.3 per game
Blocks 0.4 1.0 +0.6 per game
The numbers speak for themselves, but the intangible growth — leadership, vision, and contagious energy — is what makes Evans a different type of player this season.
What This Means for Duke
Evans’ transformation has broader implications for the Blue Devils. His ability to facilitate efficiently allows other players to shine, balances the offense, and provides Scheyer with more tactical flexibility. Teams that underestimate his playmaking may find themselves in chaotic defensive rotations, scrambling to recover as Evans orchestrates scoring opportunities.
Moreover, Evans’ growth makes Duke a deeper, more versatile team. Even if the Blue Devils face defensive schemes designed to limit their stars, Evans’ passing and awareness create openings for secondary players to step up. His maturation ensures that Duke is not solely reliant on scoring from a single player, giving the team resilience in high-stakes matchups like the upcoming Arkansas game.
Looking Ahead
As Duke navigates a challenging schedule in November and December, the evolution of Isaiah Evans will be a storyline worth watching. Each game represents a test of his vision, leadership, and ability to make others better. If he continues on this trajectory, Evans may not only become a household name but also a critical piece in Duke’s pursuit of ACC dominance and another national championship run.
Fans should keep a close eye on how Evans adapts under pressure, manages the pace of the game, and continues to spread his contagious skill. In a sport where momentum can shift in a single possession, a player capable of influencing every facet of the court is invaluable.
Scheyer believes the best is yet to come. “He’s just scratching the surface,” Scheyer said. “Isaiah Evans is going to be special, and it’s exciting to see him get to this point.”
Conclusion
Isaiah Evans’ sophomore breakout is more than just improved stats; it’s the emergence of a player who changes the game without dominating it. His “contagious” energy, court vision, and leadership have transformed Duke’s offense into a more dynamic and unpredictable unit.
As the Blue Devils face ranked opponents in Chicago, fans will get to see how Evans’ growth translates under the bright lights and high-pressure scenarios. One thing is clear: the sophomore guard has become one of the most intriguing and impactful players in college basketball this season, and his journey has only just begun.
For Duke, the question isn’t whether Evans can make an impact — it’s how far his newfound influence can take this team before the season is over. And for fans, it’s a thrilling chance to witness the rise of a truly contagious force on the hardwood.
