“HE’S BACK!” Top NBA Draft Prospect Reacts to Isaiah Evans’ SHOCKING Duke Return
In an offseason already packed with unexpected announcements, no one could’ve predicted this: Isaiah Evans, the highly touted Duke freshman and projected first-round NBA Draft pick, is coming back to Durham for his sophomore season.
Social media exploded, Duke fans rejoiced, and NBA scouts scrambled to recalibrate their boards. But perhaps the most notable reaction came from another rising star—top NBA draft prospect Dylan Harper, who didn’t hold back when he heard the news.
“HE’S BACK!? That’s wild,” Harper posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Evans was league-ready. I was already picturing him in that draft green room. But if he’s coming back, the ACC might be in trouble.”
Evans was one of Duke’s brightest young stars last season, a 6’6” wing with a silky jumper, elite length, and a defensive motor that reminded fans of former Blue Devil greats like Luol Deng and Justise Winslow. He averaged 13.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game—solid numbers that only told part of the story.
His upside? Tremendous. His draft stock? Climbing.
Several mock drafts had him slotted anywhere from 14 to 25, with plenty of scouts believing he could rise even higher after pre-draft workouts. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony called him a “raw but explosive perimeter threat who will thrive with spacing at the next level.”
So why did Evans turn down millions and a guaranteed NBA contract?
Shortly after news broke, Evans released a short video on Instagram and X. It was simple, cinematic, and powerful.
[Cue the Duke fight song. A montage of Evans’ season highlights flashes across the screen. The final clip: Cameron Indoor Stadium, roaring crowd, Evans pointing to the rafters. Then his voice cuts in:]
“Y’all thought that was it? Nah. I’ve got more to prove. Year two. Let’s work.”
[The screen fades to black. The words: ‘I’m coming back.’]
Within minutes, Duke’s official basketball account reposted it with the caption: “Unfinished Business.”
In a short press release, Evans elaborated:
“This place, this program, it means everything to me. I came to Duke to grow—not just as a player, but as a person and a leader. I know I can help us get further. I want a banner. I want to leave a legacy.”
Head coach Jon Scheyer must be grinning from ear to ear. After losing Kyle Filipowski, Jared McCain, and Tyrese Proctor to the draft, retaining Evans is a massive win.
Duke’s 2025 roster was already shaping up well. Incoming freshmen like Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Isaiah Elohim are set to bring top-tier talent to Durham. But keeping Evans gives the Blue Devils something every title contender needs: experience with star power.
A likely starter from day one next season, Evans now becomes the veteran presence on a team filled with freshmen phenoms. His return could help stabilize the team, particularly on the defensive end.
“Isaiah is the kind of guy who sets the tone,” said Scheyer in a statement. “He’s all about work, all about winning. His growth from day one last year to the end of the season was incredible. And he’s still just scratching the surface.”
Evans’ return sent shockwaves through the college basketball world—and the NBA draft scene. Dylan Harper, the projected No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft, was one of the first players to react.
“I was legit shocked,” Harper said in a live Instagram session. “Respect to him, though. College ball’s not just a stepping stone for everybody. Some dudes want to leave a mark.”
Other players chimed in too:
- Jared McCain, now training for the draft: “Let’s gooooo! My boy @IsaiahEvans back for one more run. Duke Nation is EATING this up.”
- Bronny James, USC guard: “That’s a power move. Year 2 Evans gonna be a problem.”
- Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina): “Mannn the ACC better buckle up…”
Even former Blue Devils like JJ Redick and Grant Hill voiced their excitement, with Redick tweeting:
“Love this move from Isaiah. Betting on himself. That’s Duke.”
While Evans hasn’t publicly discussed finances, sources close to the program suggest that NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities played a part in the decision.
“It’s a different era now,” one insider said. “Isaiah’s marketability at Duke—especially with the fanbase, alumni, and national exposure—is huge. He can earn well while continuing to develop. It makes sense.”
According to On3’s NIL valuation index, Evans was already climbing the charts last season. With another year in Durham, his value is projected to rise significantly, particularly if he leads the Blue Devils on a deep tournament run.
Reactions among NBA scouts were mixed—some surprised, some impressed, some skeptical.
One Western Conference scout said, “We had him mid-to-late first round. He’s got tools, but raw. Another year could really help his stock if he polishes his handle and becomes more consistent from three.”
Another scout was less optimistic: “There’s always risk. What if he doesn’t improve? What if he gets hurt? But if he feels like he’s not ready, I respect it.”
But across the board, one thing was clear: Evans isn’t afraid to bet on himself.
With Evans back and the No. 1 recruiting class in the country coming in, the question becomes: Can Duke win it all in 2025?
“Absolutely,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “Adding Isaiah’s experience to that group is the kind of balance you need. It’s not just talent—it’s cohesion, leadership, and defensive identity. That’s what Evans brings.”
Fans certainly believe. Within an hour of the announcement, “DUKE 2025 CHAMPS” was trending on X. Ticket sales for Duke’s home games reportedly spiked within 24 hours.
One Duke student posted a selfie from outside Cameron with the caption: “I don’t care if it’s April—I’m camping out for the UNC game already.”
So, what does Isaiah Evans need to improve to make that sophomore leap?
- Consistency from three – He shot 31.5% from beyond the arc last season. If he can bump that to 36–38%, he becomes a two-way nightmare.
- Tighter ball handling – At times, Evans struggled under pressure, especially against elite perimeter defenders. A summer of work with Duke’s development staff should help.
- Playmaking – Evans has the tools to be more than just a scorer. If he can average 3–4 assists per game, his draft stock will skyrocket.
- Strength and durability – He’s wiry and athletic but could benefit from added strength to absorb contact and finish through defenders.
Expect him to be one of the most talked-about players heading into the 2024–25 college basketball season—and a candidate for All-ACC honors, if not more.
In an era where one-and-done is the norm, Isaiah Evans just made a bold statement.
He’s not chasing the fastest path to the league. He’s chasing greatness—at Duke, on his terms.
And in doing so, he’s inspiring others. Young players. Teammates. Fans. Even NBA-bound stars like Dylan Harper.
This wasn’t just a return. It was a reminder: College basketball still matters. Legacy still matters.
So yeah, he’s back. And if you’re Duke—or just a fan of the game—you’re better for it.
