There are players who shrink from the spotlight when their shots stop falling, and then there is Isaiah Evans—a sophomore who has never questioned whether he belonged on the court at Duke, one of college basketball’s most pressure-filled stages. Through the early stretch of the 2024–25 season, Evans has not only demonstrated unwavering confidence but also begun transforming that self-belief into consistent, meaningful production for the No. 4 Blue Devils.
Evans’ swagger was tested early. In Duke’s second game of the season, the typically smooth and explosive wing struggled noticeably. He misfired on all five of his three-point attempts, finishing just 1-for-8 from the field in a performance that could easily rattle a young player still trying to carve out his identity. But for Evans, the poor outing didn’t plant seeds of doubt—it watered a deep competitive fire.
That fire showed up emphatically two nights later.
Against Army on Tuesday, Evans erupted for 17 points in a 114–59 victory, showcasing the electrifying scoring ability and versatile skillset that made him a coveted recruit and a player Duke fans have been eager to see take a leap in his second season. Most impressively, Evans didn’t wait for the game to come to him; he seized control early, setting a tone in the first half that carried through a dominant second-half stretch for the Blue Devils.
His performance wasn’t just a spectacular bounce-back. It was a glimpse into the evolution of a player who, according to Evans himself, has been ready for this moment for quite some time.
“I don’t think I feel any different,” Evans said after the win, maintaining the same level-headed confidence he plays with on the court. “I knew I was that dude last year, but it wasn’t my role at the time. I was just ready to come in and do whatever Coach wanted me to do. Even right now, I feel like I’m just coming into the season a little bit more comfortable.”
That comfort has been obvious through Duke’s first three games. Evans currently ranks second on the team in scoring, trailing only highly regarded freshman sensation Cameron Boozer, who has already begun delivering on the immense expectations placed on him. But Evans’ contributions extend well beyond points on the board. He’s pulling down timely rebounds, defending with far more discipline and anticipation than he showed as a freshman, and making plays that don’t appear in the box score but help dictate Duke’s tempo and toughness.
The leap isn’t surprising to those around the program. Evans arrived at Duke with a scorer’s mentality and a dynamic offensive toolkit, but like many talented freshmen entering an experienced rotation, he spent his first season adjusting, learning, and waiting for moments to shine. Now, with a year of experience and trust from the coaching staff, Evan’s natural assertiveness is blending with growth in basketball IQ, defensive commitment, and shot selection.
His season-opening 23-point performance against Texas was the first sign that the sophomore was ready to take on a larger role. The eruption against Army confirmed it wasn’t a fluke—it was the beginning of a trend.
And Duke needs him.
The Blue Devils, off to a crisp 3–0 start, are preparing for their first major test of the season as they gear up to face No. 25 Kansas in the Champions Classic next Tuesday at the iconic Madison Square Garden. The matchup will serve as an early measuring stick for a team blending returning experience with new talent, and Evans figures to be a crucial factor. His ability to create offense, stretch defenses, and guard multiple positions provides Duke with flexibility and firepower against elite competition.
But before that marquee showdown, Duke will return to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Friday night to host Indiana State (2–1). The Blue Devils will look to maintain their perfect record and continue smoothing out early-season wrinkles, especially on the defensive end where communication and rotations remain a work in progress. Evans’ continued maturation will be central to those efforts.
What makes Evans such a compelling figure in Duke’s rotation is not just his skill, but his mindset. While some players gradually grow into confidence, Evans’ belief in himself has been there from the beginning. What has changed is the environment around him—the trust from the coaching staff, the familiarity with Duke’s system, and the experience of playing through both slumps and surges.
Now, when Evans steps on the floor, he carries himself not like a young player hoping to contribute, but like a player expecting to make an impact.
He always knew he was “that dude.” Now, with his sophomore season underway, everyone ♦else is beginning to see it too.
