Duke guard Isaiah Evans to withdraw from NBA draft, return for sophomore year
Duke guard Isaiah Evans withdrew from the 2025 NBA draft on Sunday, clearing the way for the former five-star recruit to return to the Blue Devils for his sophomore season.
Evans averaged 6.8 points and 1.1 rebounds on 41.6% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games this past season. He finished in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 19 points and two rebounds on March 1 in a win over Florida State.
The 19-year-old declared for the draft while maintaining his eligibility and was among the 75 prospects invited to the combine this week in Chicago, Illinois. With the annual scouting event set to tip off, the league announced that Evans will not be participating at the Wintrust Arena.
Evans wasn't projected to be selected by most mock drafts, which likely factored into his decision to return to Durham. Players also now have more earning potential in college basketball with the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL) and can afford to wait to turn pro.
The former McDonald's All-American is highly touted for his ability as a scorer, from spacing the floor to finishing at the rim. He should have the opportunity to play a larger role next season, with the likes of Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach off to the NBA.
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Evans will return to a team adding twin brothers Cameron Boozer (No. 3 prospect) and Cayden Boozer (No. 23). Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer also signed former Washington State forward Cedric Coward via the transfer portal.
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