Isaiah Evans bolts for NBA Draft after breakout sophomore season

Duke basketball managed to keep Isaiah Evans one year ago amid NBA Draft chatter. The 2026 draft class will welcome the Blue Devils star guard, though.

Evans is exiting Durham after two seasons, which he announced on his personal Instagram page. The 6-foot-6 guard becomes the first big draft loss for head coach Jon Scheyer.

Evans dropped 15 points per game starring on a stacked roster filled with past blue chip recruits. He also teamed nicely with Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the former still not officially announcing his 2026-27 fate yet.

The Fayetteville, NC., native raised his game another level during March Madness. Evans entered the Sweet 16 matchup against St. John’s carrying the X-factor label. He lit up the Big East champions in scoring 25 points to advance into the Elite Eight.

He’s stepped up in other big games too, especially during Atlantic Coast Conference play. Evans delivered 20 against Virginia during the ACC Tournament. He even prevented a conference tournament upset against Florida State in scoring 32 during that 80-79 win at Charlotte.

NBA teams will love his 3-point ability, as Evans nailed 36.1% from long range this past season. But other franchises will grow enamored by his defensive skillset, as Evans hit career-highs in blocks and steals with 0.7.

The Evans decision comes nearly 24 hours after a pivotal Duke move. The Blue Devils landed prized College Basketball Transfer Portal addition John Blackwell via Wisconsin. He brings 19.1 points per game over to the national power. Blackwell also immediately rises as the replacement for Evans in the Devils’ backcourt.

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