Duke’s Isaiah Evans on Early Entry List for NBA Draft 2025—But He’s Not Going Anywhere Just Yet
As the NBA released its list of early entry candidates for the NBA Draft 2025, one name stood out to Duke basketball fans: Isaiah Evans.
The rising sophomore was among 106 players officially listed as early entrants in this year’s draft class. But before Duke fans start sweating over losing another young star, there’s some important context — Evans isn’t leaving just yet. His inclusion on the list is all about gathering feedback from NBA scouts as he prepares for what could be a breakout second year in Durham.
Why Isaiah Evans Entered the 2025 NBA Draft Process
Evans’ decision to test the waters is a smart move. Under current NCAA rules, players are allowed to declare for the draft, attend the NBA Draft Combine, and meet with teams to receive evaluations — all without losing their college eligibility, as long as they withdraw by May 28.
Evans, who was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, had a promising freshman campaign. While he wasn’t the focal point of Duke’s offense just yet, his upside was clear. The 6-foot-6 wing has NBA size, explosive scoring potential, and the kind of energy that teams love on both ends of the floor.
By declaring early, Evans will get real-time feedback on where he stands, what NBA teams like about him, and — most importantly — what he needs to work on to boost his draft stock.
Confirmed: Evans Is Returning to Duke
Just days before the NBA’s early entry list dropped, Isaiah Evans took to social media to confirm he’s coming back to Duke for his sophomore season. When Duke’s official X (formerly Twitter) account playfully asked if he’d return, Evans kept it simple: “Yea.”
That one word was all Duke fans needed to hear.
This means Evans is likely using the draft process for evaluation purposes only. It’s a common move for top prospects looking to refine their game before fully committing to the professional level.
A Look Ahead: What Isaiah Evans Brings to Duke Next Season
With his return to Durham confirmed, Isaiah Evans is poised to play a major role for the Blue Devils in the 2025-26 season — Jon Scheyer’s fourth year as head coach. Now armed with one full season of college basketball experience and fresh input from NBA scouts, Evans is expected to take a leap in both production and leadership.
He’ll likely step into a larger scoring role with the departure of Duke’s star-studded freshman class, which includes projected top-10 picks like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor — all of whom are also on the early entry list for the NBA Draft 2025.
Evans Is Not Alone: Other Blue Devils Testing the Draft Waters
Isaiah Evans isn’t the only Blue Devil testing the draft process this spring. Several of his teammates, including Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor, also appeared on the NBA’s early entry list.
Even Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, who committed to Duke on April 28, is going through the process. Like Evans, Coward is expected to return to college next season and could become a key part of Duke’s lineup.
It’s becoming more common for college players — especially those at major programs like Duke — to explore the NBA landscape early. The draft process has become a valuable tool, helping athletes make informed decisions while continuing their development in college.
Key Dates to Know: NBA Draft 2025 Timeline
For players like Isaiah Evans, the calendar is just as important as the game film. Here are a few key dates to keep an eye on:
- NBA Draft Combine: May 11–18 in Chicago
- Withdrawal Deadline (to keep college eligibility): May 28
- NBA Draft 2025: June 25–26 in Brooklyn, New York
Evans will have the opportunity to participate in workouts, team interviews, and medical evaluations during the Combine — if invited. If he doesn’t receive the first-round feedback he’s hoping for, he’ll be back in blue and white, likely with a chip on his shoulder and a new set of skills to unleash on the ACC.
What This Means for Duke’s Future
Duke fans should be excited about the development of Isaiah Evans. The fact that he’s even being considered a first-round prospect so early in his college career says a lot about his potential.
By returning for his sophomore year, Evans will be a cornerstone of Duke’s next chapter. He’ll likely lead a young but talented roster that includes veterans like Coward and promising new recruits. With his versatile scoring, improved defense, and growing confidence, Evans is positioned to become one of the most talked-about players in college basketball next season.
And if all goes well, he’ll enter the NBA Draft 2026 as a more complete player — and a true first-round lock.
Bottom Line: Isaiah Evans is Just Getting Started
While his name may be on the NBA Draft 2025 early entry list, Isaiah Evans is still a Blue Devil — and he’s only getting better.
Using the draft process for development rather than departure shows maturity and vision. Duke fans can rest easy knowing Evans is locked in for another year in Durham, and NBA scouts will surely be keeping tabs on him all season long.
Expect big things from Isaiah Evans in 2025.