Duke secured a major piece for its 2025–26 roster on Tuesday when freshman forward Isaiah Evans announced via social media that he will delay his professional aspirations and return to the Blue Devils for his sophomore season.
Evans was projected as a late first- or early second-round pick and ranked No. 38 in CBS Sports’ 2025 NBA Draft prospect rankings.
A former five-star recruit and the No. 13 overall player in the 2024 high school class, Evans appeared in all 36 games for a Duke squad that won 35 games this past season. He averaged 6.8 points per game and shot 41.6% from three, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dangerous bench scorers in college basketball. With key contributors Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, and Sion James all departing, Evans is poised to take on a much larger role next season.
The loss of backcourt firepower makes Evans’ return especially valuable. Despite starting just three games in 2024–25, he recorded 11 games with double-digit scoring, including six outings of 16 points or more, showcasing his instant-offense potential. Some of his top performances came on big stages, including 18 points against No. 2 Auburn, where he nailed six of eight three-point attempts, and 17 points against Illinois in a blowout at Madison Square Garden.
Though Duke has yet to land a transfer this offseason and still faces several roster uncertainties, Evans’ decision to return significantly boosts their outlook. He’s expected to take on a much heavier offensive load alongside a loaded freshman class led by Cameron Boozer (No. 3 in 2025) and his twin Cayden Boozer (No. 24).
Cooper Flagg Sends Shockwaves Through College Hoops With Duke Workout Post
Cooper Flagg Sends Shockwaves Through College Hoops With Duke Workout Post — Fans Beg for Answers
As the college basketball world holds its breath, all eyes remain on Duke’s Cooper Flagg — the freshman phenom who took the sport by storm and now stands at the crossroads of one of the biggest decisions of his young career.
It’s been nearly two weeks since the Blue Devils’ heart-pounding run to the Final Four ended in a dramatic semifinal loss to Houston. But the conversation hasn’t slowed — if anything, it’s only intensified. That’s because Flagg, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has yet to declare his intentions. And Duke just poured gasoline on the fire.
On Friday, Duke’s official basketball account posted a photo of Flagg participating in a team workout — and it sent fans into a frenzy.
“Jumping into year 2!!” one fan wrote with hopeful disbelief.
“OMG you cannot post that right now unless it’s to say he’s coming back,” another pleaded.
“Do NOT do this to us, please,” one more begged, echoing the confusion and anxiety shared by thousands across social media.
While Duke has yet to provide any clarification, and Flagg himself told SportsCenter he’s “taking time to weigh all options,” the timing and tone of the post has led to an eruption of speculation. Could Cooper Flagg actually be considering a second year at Duke?
The answer, still, is almost certainly no. But the internet is clinging to hope.
The speculation was only fueled further when eagle-eyed fans noticed what Flagg was wearing in the workout photo — New Balance sneakers. At first glance, it might seem like a minor detail. But for those familiar with Duke’s longstanding partnership with Nike, it was a glaring anomaly.
During the season, Flagg — like all Duke players — was required to wear Nike-branded gear. So the appearance of New Balance, a brand that has been heavily linked to Flagg’s future endorsement plans, immediately raised eyebrows.
Many now see the shoe choice as a subtle signal: Flagg has likely already chosen his path — and it leads straight to the NBA.
A Freshman Season for the Ages
Whatever decision Cooper Flagg makes, his mark on Duke history is already secure.
In just one year, the Maine native delivered a season that felt almost mythical. He averaged jaw-dropping stats, dominated defensively, hit clutch shots, and displayed a maturity beyond his years. His efforts earned him National Player of the Year honors from multiple media outlets — an almost unheard-of achievement for a freshman.
Most importantly, he led Duke to the Final Four — a feat that reignited excitement in Durham and across the college basketball landscape. Despite falling just short of a championship berth in a dramatic loss to Houston, Flagg’s leadership, energy, and intensity have elevated him to icon status within the program.
What’s Next?
While teammate Kon Knueppel has already declared for the NBA Draft, Flagg remains silent on his next move — and fans are hanging on every post, every interview, and now, every sneaker he wears.
It’s a rare moment in sports when one teenager can hold the attention of an entire sport. But Cooper Flagg isn’t just any prospect — he’s the face of the next generation of basketball.
Whether he returns to Duke for a shocking second act or takes his talent to the NBA, one thing is certain: the Cooper Flagg era is just getting started.
And the basketball world? It’s watching every step.
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