Overview
The 2024 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, Isaiah Evans participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic in high school before spending the last two years at Duke. During his sophomore season with the Blue Devils, the 20-year-old guard was named to the ACC All-Third Team and the ACC All-Tournament First Team while averaging 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 three-pointers, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks in 28.2 minutes per game across 38 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign. Evans established himself as a high-volume, lethal three-point shooter who is capable of creating off the dribble or knocking down spot-up looks, giving him a valuable offensive tool that should translate well to the professional level.
Analysis
Evans is capable of heating up in a hurry and lighting up the scoreboard thanks to his outside shooting. While his thin frame could raise questions defensively, he averaged 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game last season. He has the tools to develop into a solid contributor on the defensive end if he’s able to fill out his frame while working out in an NBA weight room. The 6-foot-6 swingman’s primary strength is his three-point shooting, and if he expands his scoring inside the arc at the NBA level, he could become a top scoring option.
Projection
Evans projects as a valuable rotation wing whose three-point shooting could help him earn meaningful playing time immediately. He has a pure jumper, deep range and a quick release that helps him get shots off against tight contests. A quick-trigger movement shooter with notable upside, Evans draws comparisons to a slightly smaller Brandon Ingram.
Career Highlights
- 2025-26 ACC Sixth Man of the Year.
- 2025-26 All-ACC Third Team selection.
- Helped Duke reach the 2026 NCAA Final Four.
- 2024 McDonald’s High School All-American.
- Ranked among ESPN’s top-15 prospects in the Class of 2024.
Sophomore (2025-26)
- Averaged 15.7 points while shooting 41.8% from three-point range.
- Led Duke in made three-pointers.
- Scored 20 or more points 11 times.
- Posted a career-high 34 points against Virginia Tech (Jan. 31).
- Averaged 18.9 points over Duke’s NCAA Tournament run.
Strengths
- Elite perimeter scorer with deep shooting range.
- Dangerous movement shooter who thrives off screens.
- Quick release and advanced shot-making ability.
- Improved secondary playmaker and team defender.
Personal
- Favorite NBA player growing up was Kevin Durant.
- Developed a reputation in high school for intense shooting workouts.
- Enjoys fashion and music production.
Go Figure
Evans ranked among the national leaders in points per minute played in 2025-26.
Quotable
“He can get hot as fast as anybody I’ve coached. When he sees one go in, you can feel the whole building react.”
— Duke head coach Jon Scheyer
— Profile by RotoWire.com with additional info from the official NBA Draft Media Guide