Isaiah Evans: The Sharpshooter Who Could Redefine Duke’s Perimeter Legacy

Isaiah Evans: The Sharpshooter Who Could Redefine Duke’s Perimeter Legacy

When Duke fans talk about great shooters, names like JJ Redick and Gary Trent Jr. inevitably come up. But if you’ve been paying attention lately, there’s a new name slowly creeping into that conversation  Isaiah Evans. The lanky sophomore isn’t just another Blue Devil returning for unfinished business; he’s a player on the brink of something special.

Duke has always been known for reloading with star-studded freshman classes, but lately, the revolving door of one-and-dones has left little room for continuity. This year feels different. Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach all made the leap to the NBA, but a handful of last year’s promising players decided to run it back  and Evans is at the top of that list.

The 6-foot-7 sniper from North Carolina could have easily tested the draft waters after a freshman campaign that showcased his elite perimeter touch. But instead, Evans returned to Durham with a mission: to evolve beyond just being a shooter.

And that’s exactly what he’s doing.

Evans’ pure shooting stroke has never been in question. The guy can flat-out light it up. His rhythm, his quick release, the way the ball arcs off his fingertips  it’s textbook. In an era where spacing defines success, Evans is the kind of player who forces defenses to stretch to uncomfortable limits. Leave him open for even a split second, and it’s three points on the board.

But the growth story lies beyond the arc.

Last season, Evans’ defense lagged behind his offense. He worked tirelessly to improve, and by season’s end, he started showing flashes of a more complete player. Head coach Jon Scheyer noticed. In Duke’s Chronicle player profile, Scheyer praised Evans’ defensive progress and growing confidence  something that was on full display in the exhibition game against UCF.

Though Evans didn’t shoot particularly well that night, his fingerprints were all over the floor. He grabbed three rebounds, handed out an assist, blocked a shot, and competed relentlessly on the defensive end. That kind of engagement signals a player who understands the full picture  that to stay on the court at Duke, effort matters as much as elegance.

Of course, the question of physicality lingers. Like former Blue Devil Brandon Ingram, Evans doesn’t have a frame built for bulk. He may never be strong in the traditional sense, but his wiry build can be deceptive. With improved balance and toughness, he’s learning to use his length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.

This season, Evans’ role will be critical. His shooting forces defenders to stay home, creating driving lanes for Duke’s slashers and opening space in the paint for their bigs. Even on an off-night, his mere presence changes how teams defend. That’s a rare type of gravity  the kind that can tilt a game in Duke’s favor without the ball even touching his hands.

Isaiah Evans might not yet be a household name, but he’s writing his story one jumper at a time. If his offseason improvements are any indication, he could soon stand among the great Duke shooters  and perhaps, redefine what it means to be more than “just a shooter” at a program where legends are born.

This year, Duke won’t just need his threes. They’ll need his evolution. And if Evans keeps trending upward, the Blue Devils may have found their next quiet star  the kind who turns potential into permanence under the bright Cameron lights.