In a jaw-dropping twist that has rocked the college basketball landscape, five-star sensation Amari Evans has officially decommitted from the University of Tennessee and announced his commitment to Duke University — a stunning move that has fans and analysts buzzing coast to coast.
The electrifying 6’6” wing, widely regarded as one of the most complete prospects in the 2025 class, had been locked in with Tennessee for months, even acting as a vocal recruiter for the Volunteers. His original commitment was seen as a cornerstone moment for Rick Barnes’ program, signaling Tennessee’s arrival as a national recruiting heavyweight. But now, in a move no one saw coming, Evans has flipped the script — and chosen to write his next chapter in Durham.
“It’s Duke. It’s the legacy, the energy, the opportunity to be great,” Evans posted in a statement that went viral just seconds after going live. “I’ve prayed on this, talked to my family, and I know in my heart this is where I’m meant to be.”
Sources close to the recruitment suggest Duke’s late surge—fueled by a full-court press from head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff—was too compelling to ignore. Behind the scenes, Duke sold Evans on the opportunity to be the next great Blue Devil wing, following in the footsteps of NBA stars like Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, and RJ Barrett. Add in the promise of a featured role, elite player development, and lucrative NIL exposure—and the result was a flip that has upended recruiting boards nationwide.
Tennessee Blindsided
The shock is especially painful for Tennessee fans, who just days ago celebrated the addition of another top-tier recruit, hoping Evans would headline a potential Final Four run in the near future. Now, Barnes and his staff are back to square one, scrambling to find a replacement for their lost superstar.
“This is a gut punch,” one Tennessee insider admitted. “We knew Duke was lurking, but no one expected this kind of turnaround.”
Duke’s Dynasty Reloaded
For Duke, however, the commitment is yet another win in what’s shaping up to be the No. 1 recruiting class of 2025. With Evans in the fold, the Blue Devils add a high-flying scorer, an elite defender, and a player ready to contribute from day one. Analysts already peg Duke as a national title favorite heading into the 2025-26 season.
“Evans is a game-changer,” said ESPN recruiting expert Paul Biancardi. “He can guard 1 through 4, shoot the three, finish at the rim, and he’s built for the spotlight. This is the type of commitment that shifts power in college basketball.”
What’s Next?
Evans’ flip is a stark reminder of how fast recruiting tides can turn. Commitments are now fluid, driven not only by coaching and tradition but also by branding, media exposure, and NIL incentives. As one fan put it: “College hoops is the wild west — and Duke just walked in with both guns blazing.”
Meanwhile, Tennessee will regroup, likely targeting top uncommitted talent and experienced transfers to fill the void. Coach Barnes has proven resilient in the past, but there’s no denying this one stings.
The Future Begins Now
For Amari Evans, the road ahead will be filled with pressure, expectations, and opportunity. At Duke, the spotlight never dims — and he’ll be expected to shine early and often. But if his high school dominance and fearless mentality are any indication, the Blue Devils just landed their next superstar.
One thing is clear: The Amari Evans Era at Duke has officially begun, and the college basketball world will be watching every step of the way.
