Top NBA Draft Prospect Ace Bailey Reacts to Isaiah Evans’ Return to Duke: “Workkkkkk”
In a college basketball era defined by one-and-done stars and early NBA Draft declarations, Isaiah Evans made a rare move that has college hoops buzzing. On Tuesday, the former five-star recruit and Duke freshman guard announced he would be returning for his sophomore season—a decision that surprised many and immediately shook up projections for both the Blue Devils and the 2025 NBA Draft.
But amid the media chatter and fan reactions, one voice in particular drew attention: Ace Bailey.
The Rutgers freshman—and projected 2025 lottery pick—reacted to Evans’ decision with a short but powerful message. In an Instagram Story posted on Wednesday, Bailey shared an image of Evans with the simple caption: “Returning,” and added his own note in bold text above it: “Workkkkkk.”
It wasn’t just a shoutout. It was a statement.
Bailey and Evans: A Clash of Rising Stars
Ace Bailey and Isaiah Evans aren’t strangers. They’ve crossed paths in the high school circuit, in camps, showcases, and on social media. Both emerged as elite prospects from the class of 2024—Bailey finishing as the No. 2-ranked player in the nation per 247Sports, and Evans right behind as a consensus top-15 recruit. While Bailey took his talents to Rutgers, Evans committed to Duke, drawn by the program’s storied legacy and the opportunity to shine on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.
And shine he did—at times.
Though Evans’ freshman campaign had its ups and downs, he showed glimpses of the star he could become. His breakout moment came on March 1, when he poured in a season-high 19 points in a win over Florida State. Even more impressive was his early-season display against Auburn, where he knocked down six three-pointers, electrifying Cameron Indoor Stadium and turning heads among scouts and fans alike.
Still, many believed Evans would follow the increasingly well-trodden path to the NBA after just one year. With his name floating in the late first to early second-round range, a draft declaration seemed imminent. But Evans, in a move that bucks the current trend, chose to return to Durham for another season of growth, development, and unfinished business.
A Power Shift in Durham
Evans’ return couldn’t have come at a better time for Duke. The Blue Devils are set to lose a significant chunk of their talent to the draft, including superstar freshman Cooper Flagg, steady guard Tyrese Proctor, and sharpshooter Kon Knueppel. With those exits, Evans’ role is poised to grow exponentially. No longer just a promising freshman, he’ll be looked at as a centerpiece of the 2025 squad—a leader both on the court and in the locker room.
His return instantly reshapes Duke’s ceiling for next season. A year of collegiate experience under his belt, combined with a summer of targeted skill development, could make Evans one of the most dangerous wings in the nation. He has the tools: length, athleticism, shooting range, and defensive potential. Now he’ll have the opportunity to refine them.
Bailey’s Reaction: A Signal to the Field
Ace Bailey’s reaction—“Workkkkkk”—was more than just a friendly repost. It was a message from one elite talent to another, a mutual acknowledgment of the grind that lies ahead. Bailey, fresh off his own standout freshman season at Rutgers, knows what it takes to rise in the ranks. His game—explosive, fearless, and polished—has NBA scouts drooling.
But what makes his response even more intriguing is the implication behind it. In a world where top prospects are often groomed to leave as soon as possible, there’s a growing respect for players who choose to stay, to build, to lead. Bailey’s post reads like an endorsement—and perhaps even a challenge.
“Workkkkkk” might sound casual, but in this context, it lands like a dare. A dare to rise. A dare to compete. A dare to dominate.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Draft and Beyond
With Evans staying at Duke and Bailey heading for the NBA, their stories may diverge in the short term—but both are locked in a parallel climb. Evans has the chance to vault up draft boards with a strong sophomore campaign, potentially elevating himself into the lottery conversation. Bailey, meanwhile, will look to cement his status as a top-five pick after a stellar debut season with the Scarlet Knights.
Their bond—however competitive—highlights the unique camaraderie within the next generation of basketball stars. From high school mixtapes to college hardwood to NBA dreams, this class of players has grown up in the spotlight together, each step watched, shared, and celebrated.
And while Duke fans rejoice over Evans’ decision, and Rutgers fans prepare for Bailey’s next leap, one thing is clear:
The work is just beginning.
“Workkkkkk,” indeed.
Leave a Reply