DURHAM, N.C. — Just weeks ago, Duke freshman phenom Isaiah Evans was better known for his smooth handles and flashy dunks on TikTok. Today, he’s making headlines for something even bigger: a 30-point performance in his NCAA debut that has Blue Devils fans buzzing and scouts taking notice.
Evans, a 6-foot-5 guard from Charlotte, North Carolina, first gained national attention after a viral video showed him crossing up defenders and hitting a game-winning three in a high school All-Star game. That clip racked up over 10 million views and put him squarely in the social media spotlight before he ever suited up for Duke.
But on Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Evans proved he’s more than just a viral sensation. He scored 30 points on 12-of-18 shooting, grabbed five rebounds, and added four assists in Duke’s 92-78 win over Cal State Fullerton. It was the highest-scoring debut for a Duke freshman since Kyrie Irving’s 28-point opener in 2010.
“People have seen the highlights, but I’ve always said I’m more than a mixtape,” Evans said after the game. “I’ve been working for this moment my whole life. Tonight was just the beginning.”
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised Evans’ poise and maturity on the court. “He didn’t just score — he made the right reads, stayed composed, and led by example. For a freshman to do that in their first college game? That’s special,” Scheyer said.
The crowd at Cameron roared every time Evans touched the ball, feeding off his energy and electric style of play. From step-back threes to acrobatic finishes at the rim, the freshman put on a show that felt more like midseason form than a debut.
Evans’ rise from internet star to college standout reflects a growing trend in the sport: players arriving on campus with fan bases already in tow. His TikTok account, now boasting over 1.2 million followers, has become a platform where basketball culture, personality, and talent intersect.
“I love making content and having fun, but when it’s game time, I lock in,” Evans explained. “Social media gets you noticed, but hard work gets you respected.”
NBA scouts in attendance noted Evans’ explosiveness and scoring instincts. One Western Conference scout called him “a top-five pick in the making,” citing his confidence and natural ability to create shots against college-level defenders.
With one game down and a full season ahead, Evans knows expectations will only grow. But he’s embracing the spotlight and using it as motivation. “I’m just trying to win and get better every day. The points are cool, the highlights are cool — but I came here to chase banners,” he said.
If opening night was any indication, Duke may have found its next great guard — and college basketball may have its newest must-watch star.
