Isaiah “Slim” Evans Returns to Duke: A Defining Moment for the Blue Devils’ 2025-26 Campaign

In a college basketball landscape dominated by one-and-done prospects and early NBA Draft declarations, Isaiah Evans made a bold and refreshing decision—he’s coming back.

The 6-foot-6 wing, known by fans and teammates as “Slim,” announced he will return to Duke University for his sophomore season, bypassing the 2025 NBA Draft despite receiving considerable interest from league scouts. His choice, grounded in maturity and vision, is a testament to his commitment to growth and his belief in Duke’s future under head coach Jon Scheyer.

Why Evans’ Return Matters

For Duke, a blueblood program that thrives on reloading rather than rebuilding, the return of a top-tier talent like Evans is a rare and strategic win. Not only does it fortify the roster for another March Madness run, but it also sets a culture-shaping precedent—one that may influence fellow elite players who stand at similar crossroads.

Evans was projected by many as a potential late first- or early second-round pick. His smooth shooting stroke, quick release, and wingspan gave him the makings of a prototypical NBA wing. Still, he saw room for growth, particularly in building his frame, improving his defensive discipline, and sharpening his handle.

“I want to come back and be the leader this team needs,” Evans told reporters. “I want to win. I want to develop. I’m not done here yet.”

His choice, though rare in the one-and-done era, echoes decisions made by past Duke legends who opted to delay the NBA for a shot at something more enduring—legacy.

Freshman Year Highlights

Evans entered his freshman season as a five-star prospect from Huntersville, North Carolina. Ranked in the top 20 nationally, he was heralded for his scoring versatility, fluidity in transition, and clutch shooting. He didn’t disappoint.

Though he came off the bench for much of the season, Evans was often the spark Duke needed. In one of the Blue Devils’ biggest wins of the year—an upset over No. 2 Auburn—Evans dropped 18 points, hitting six of his eight three-point attempts and electrifying Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Other highlight performances included:

17 points vs. Virginia: Evans came alive in the second half, knocking down five triples.
Career-high 19 points vs. Florida State: In his first start, Evans led the team in scoring and showed command over Duke’s offensive rhythm.
Defensive growth: Though not elite defensively yet, Evans progressed over the season, learning to leverage his 6’10” wingspan and quick feet to disrupt passing lanes.

He finished the season averaging 9.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, with a 39% three-point shooting clip in ACC play—a strong line for a freshman sixth man in a power program.

What He’s Working On

Evans was candid about his decision. He didn’t shy away from his weaknesses—he embraced them.

“Right now, I’m a shooter who can score. I want to be a complete player—on both ends,” he said.

To take the next step in his evolution, Evans has already begun a comprehensive offseason regimen that includes:

Strength Training: Evans weighed in at just under 180 pounds last season. Duke’s staff believes he can add 10–15 pounds of muscle without sacrificing agility.
Ball Handling: Scheyer wants to see Evans initiate more offense, not just finish it. Expect to see him running pick-and-rolls and attacking closeouts more frequently.
Defensive Consistency: He’ll need to defend top wings next year, and that means mastering rotations, staying disciplined, and embracing physicality.

With these improvements, Evans could vault into the 2026 NBA Draft lottery—while also helping Duke chase another Final Four berth.

The 2025-26 Duke Roster: What It Means for the Blue Devils

Evans won’t return to the same team he left.

Gone are Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach—three highly touted freshmen who declared for the NBA after one season. Their departures leave a leadership vacuum and a scoring gap that Evans is uniquely positioned to fill.

The returning core includes:

Caleb Foster – A steady, intelligent guard who showed flashes of brilliance as a sophomore.
Jared McCain (undecided) – If McCain also returns, Duke could boast one of the most experienced backcourts in the nation.
Christian Reeves and Sean Stewart – Bigs who’ll need to step into starting roles.

The incoming recruiting class is headlined by:

Cameron Boozer – The No. 1 recruit in the nation and son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer.
Cayden Boozer – A crafty point guard and Cameron’s twin brother.
Patrick Ngongba II – A powerful interior presence with soft hands.
Nikolas Khamenia – A versatile forward with high basketball IQ.
Darren Harris – A sharpshooter who can space the floor.

In this group, Evans will be the bridge—the battle-tested sophomore who knows the ACC gauntlet and can guide the next wave of stars.

Leadership Role & Locker Room Impact

Evans has always been vocal, but in a supporting role. Now, he becomes one of the voices—if not the voice—in the locker room.

“He’s got the kind of energy that guys rally around,” Coach Scheyer said. “He’s competitive, but he also listens. He leads by example—and now, by command.”

With Flagg and Knueppel gone, the team’s offensive identity will shift. Duke may not rely as much on iso ball or post-ups and could adopt a faster, more motion-based offense that suits Evans’ cutting, shooting, and spacing skills.

Historical Context: Rare Company

In the last decade, only a handful of highly ranked Duke recruits returned for sophomore seasons. Names like Grayson Allen, Tre Jones, and Wendell Moore Jr. come to mind. Each came back more polished, more confident—and ultimately left for the NBA with a more complete resume.

Evans could follow that arc. And if he leads Duke deep into March, his legacy could be cemented in Durham lore.

Draft Implications: A Strategic Delay

According to NBA scouts, Evans’ draft stock is hovering between picks 20–40. That’s a wide range, and one that often depends on workouts, combine measurements, and summer league performance.

By returning, Evans gives himself a chance to:

Become a primary option
Improve physically
Prove he can guard 2s and 3s
Expand his offensive role (passing, mid-range, slashing)

If he performs as expected, he could vault into the top 15 of the 2026 draft class—a class currently projected to be weaker at the wing position than 2025.

Fan Reaction: “He Gets It”

Duke fans, often jaded by the transience of elite recruits, embraced the news with enthusiasm.

“Finally, a guy who wants to wear the jersey for more than a minute,” one fan wrote on a Duke message board.

“Evans gets it. He’s about Duke. He’s about team. That’s rare now,” another added.

The response on social media was overwhelmingly positive. Even former players like Jay Williams and Quinn Cook took to X (formerly Twitter) to express support for Evans’ choice.

A Culture-Setting Move

In the new era of NIL, NBA incentives, and transfer chaos, a move like this stands out.

Isaiah Evans could’ve chased a paycheck. He could’ve tested the waters, played in the G-League, or sat at the end of an NBA bench. Instead, he chose to be a leader. A difference-maker. A Duke guy.