Duke basketball freshman guard Isaiah Evans’ late-season report card

As the Duke Blue Devils approach the latter stages of the college basketball season, one of the most intriguing freshman players to watch has been guard Isaiah Evans. Coming to Durham with high expectations, Evans has not only met those expectations but, in many ways, exceeded them—becoming an indispensable part of Jon Scheyer’s rotation. His growth throughout the season has been nothing short of remarkable, as the talented young guard has made significant contributions both offensively and defensively, showing poise and maturity beyond his years.

Evans’ journey at Duke has been closely watched by fans, analysts, and scouts alike. His reputation as a skilled playmaker with the ability to score from multiple levels made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in the class of 2025. Now, with the Blue Devils’ season in full swing and postseason play on the horizon, it’s time to take a closer look at his development and assess his performance over the course of his freshman year. This late-season report card will evaluate his progress in key areas such as scoring, defense, basketball IQ, and leadership, and offer insight into what the future may hold for this budding star.

Scoring: A Multi-Dimensional Threat

Isaiah Evans has shown he can score in a variety of ways, and his offensive versatility has quickly made him a key piece in Duke’s offensive scheme. Whether he’s knocking down long-range shots, finishing in the paint, or running the floor in transition, Evans has been a consistent scoring threat.

Grade: A-

• Perimeter Shooting: Evans entered the season with the reputation of being a solid shooter from beyond the arc, and he has largely lived up to that billing. As the season has progressed, his shooting from deep has become more consistent, making him a dangerous threat on the perimeter. Evans is averaging a respectable 38% from three-point range, with many of those shots coming off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations. His ability to stretch the defense has opened up opportunities for his teammates, allowing Duke to play a more fluid and dynamic offensive game.
• Inside Scoring: One of the most impressive aspects of Evans’ scoring ability has been his knack for finishing around the rim. Standing at 6’5″ with a solid frame, Evans has the physical tools to finish through contact in the paint. His layup package is varied, and he has shown the ability to finish with either hand. Evans’ ability to drive to the basket has kept defenses honest, as they can’t afford to only focus on his perimeter shooting. While not an elite slasher yet, his body control and finishability have continued to improve as he adjusts to the physicality of the college game.
• Mid-Range Game: Another area where Evans has shown growth is his mid-range game. Known for his three-point shooting and driving ability, the freshman has developed a strong pull-up jumper, allowing him to exploit defenders who are overcommitting to either a close-out on his three-point shot or a drive to the basket. This added layer to his scoring arsenal makes him even more difficult to defend, as he can now punish defenders who give him space to shoot from mid-range.

Defense: The Making of a Lockdown Defender

While Evans’ offensive game has been impressive, his defense has arguably been the most surprising element of his freshman campaign. Coming into college, there were questions about his ability to guard at the next level, particularly in one-on-one situations against faster, more athletic guards. However, Evans has demonstrated a natural ability to defend both on and off the ball, often taking on tough assignments and excelling in high-pressure situations.

Grade: B+

• Perimeter Defense: Evans’ ability to defend on the perimeter has been one of his standout traits this season. He has shown the ability to stay in front of his man, using his quickness and lateral movement to contest shots and force turnovers. He is also a strong defender off the ball, often reading passing lanes and using his anticipation skills to disrupt offensive sets. While not yet a consistent lockdown defender on every possession, Evans has shown he can guard a variety of players, from smaller point guards to bigger wings. His effort level on defense has been exemplary, and he’s developed into a dependable defender who can guard multiple positions when needed.
• Help Defense and Rotations: One area where Evans has particularly excelled is in Duke’s help defense. He has shown great awareness when it comes to rotations, often being in the right place at the right time. His length and athleticism have allowed him to contest shots in the paint, while his ability to read the offense helps him close out quickly on shooters. As the season has progressed, his defensive IQ has improved, and he’s begun to make smarter decisions, such as choosing when to go for steals and when to stay solid in position.
• Rebounding: Evans’ rebounding has also been a key part of his defensive game. Despite playing guard, he has averaged 4.2 rebounds per game, which is above average for a player in his position. He’s shown a knack for positioning himself well on the boards, especially on the defensive glass, and his athleticism allows him to box out larger opponents when necessary. While not an elite rebounder yet, his ability to contribute in this area has helped Duke’s overall team defense.

Basketball IQ: Poised Beyond His Years

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Isaiah Evans’ game has been his basketball IQ. From his decision-making with the ball in his hands to his ability to recognize defensive schemes, Evans has displayed an understanding of the game that belies his age.

Grade: A

• Playmaking: Evans has been effective as both a scorer and a playmaker, often setting up his teammates for easy baskets. As a ball handler, he has displayed patience and vision, running Duke’s offense smoothly in transition and in the half-court. With an average of 3.5 assists per game, Evans has proven to be a capable facilitator, especially in pick-and-roll situations. His ability to read defenses, find open teammates, and make quick decisions has been impressive for a freshman, and it’s clear that Evans is developing into a player who can control the tempo of a game.
• Decision-Making: One of the hallmarks of Evans’ game is his ability to make the right decision in critical moments. Whether it’s taking the open shot, driving to the basket when there’s an opening, or finding an open teammate when the defense collapses, Evans has consistently demonstrated maturity in his decision-making. His turnovers are relatively low for a freshman guard, and he rarely forces bad shots, choosing to work within the system and make plays when they present themselves.
• Adaptability: Evans has adapted to the demands of college basketball quicker than many anticipated. His ability to adjust from high school to playing at a powerhouse program like Duke speaks volumes about his mental toughness and capacity for growth. Evans doesn’t get rattled in pressure situations and seems to be learning from every game. His ability to make quick adjustments during the flow of the game has allowed him to remain productive and effective, even when faced with stronger competition.

Leadership: The Foundation of a Bright Future

Isaiah Evans has not only been impressive in his individual play but also in his role as a leader on the team. Freshmen often struggle to assert themselves in the locker room and on the court, but Evans has shown maturity and poise in his interactions with his teammates. While he’s not yet the vocal leader of the team, his example on the court has set the tone for the Blue Devils, and he has earned the trust of his coaches and teammates alike.

Grade: B+

• Court Presence: As a freshman, Evans has handled the responsibility of playing in front of packed arenas and with national attention focused on him. He has remained calm under pressure, and his composed demeanor on the court has rubbed off on his teammates. He’s not the type to get in players’ faces or become overly emotional, but his steady presence has been a positive influence on Duke’s younger players.
• Work Ethic: Evans’ work ethic has been a topic of praise from both his coaches and teammates. Known for putting in extra time in the gym, whether it’s refining his jump shot or working on his ball-handling skills, Evans has demonstrated the kind of discipline that is essential for success at the college level. His commitment to continuous improvement has set an example for the rest of the team, making him a quiet leader who leads by example.

Room for Improvement

Despite his impressive debut season, there are still areas where Evans can improve as he looks to make an even greater impact for Duke in the future.

• Consistency in Shooting: While Evans has been a reliable shooter, he has had occasional stretches where his shot is off. Developing more consistency, particularly with his three-point shooting, will be key for his continued success. If he can become a more consistent perimeter threat, it will make him even harder to defend and increase his scoring output.
• Strength and Physicality: While Evans has shown he can finish in the paint, he could benefit from continuing to add strength to his frame. As he faces bigger and stronger defenders, being able to absorb contact and finish through traffic will be crucial. A more physical presence could also improve his defense, allowing him to better handle larger wings and guards.
• Defensive Consistency: Although Evans has been a solid defender, there are moments where he can improve his focus and consistency on that side of the ball. Making smarter decisions about when to gamble for steals and when to stay in front of his man will be important as he continues to develop defensively.

 A Star on the Rise

Isaiah Evans’ freshman season at Duke has been a showcase of immense talent and growth.

With his ability to score, defend, and make plays, he has proven himself to be one of the top young guards in college basketball. While there are still areas where he can improve, his maturity, basketball IQ, and leadership have set him on a path to becoming one of the Blue Devils’ future stars. As the season progresses and March Madness looms, Evans will be a player to watch as Duke looks to make a deep tournament run. His development throughout the season has made it clear that this is only the beginning for one of college basketball’s brightest young talents.