This summer, Duke’s rising star Isaiah Evans—aptly nicknamed “Showtime Slim”—has traded in his trio-and-shoot form for a different kind of highlight reel. The lanky guard/forward is infusing the offseason with personality, mentorship, and energy that promises big returns when the season tips off again.
Back in July, Evans turned heads at the Jayson Tatum Elite Forward Camp in Las Vegas. NBA scouts were quick to praise his competitive fire. DraftExpress scout Jon Chepkevich called him “an absolute killer”—not just for knocking down contested shots, but for bringing “fire, fight, and pride defensively” in isolation drills . Far from letting this momentum fade, Evans carried that intensity into Duke’s summer scrimmages—letting his shot fly, his presence be felt, and his vibe ripple across the team .
Off the court, Evans has embraced a mentorship role, stepping up in youth camps with the same energy that ignites the Cameron Crazies. At a recent basketball clinic, he ran drills, shared life lessons, and emphasized consistent effort. “My biggest message is just consistent work and keeping your head down,” he told campers, playfully reminding them, “Don’t lose that ball!” .
And Evans’s enthusiasm isn’t limited to drills and scrimmages—it’s now a staple of Duke’s summer narrative. On the latest edition of DBR Bites, insiders from the K Academy offered glowing updates: Evans is among the summer standouts, standing out alongside teammates like Nik Khamenia and Cameron Boozer . It’s clear his off-the-bench explosion last season is shaping into a greater leadership presence this summer.
Evans’s return to Durham for the 2025–26 season was confirmed by a two-letter tweet: “yea.” With that simple response, he became a foundational piece for Duke amidst roster turnover and raised expectations . Analysts, including Joe Lunardi, have already pegged Duke as a potential #1 seed for March—their projections hinging in part on Isaiah’s growth in physicality, defense, and all-around versatility .
From scrimmage room standout to youth mentor and camp energizer, this summer belongs to “Showtime Slim.” With a clear progression both on and off the court, Evans is laying down the fun—but also the foundation—for a breakout sophomore campaign. When he’s off-season smiling and shooting, you know game time is going
