In what could be the biggest offseason victory yet for Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils, the clock is ticking on the NCAA transfer portal—and all signs are pointing to a shocking twist: Isaiah Evans may be staying.
The portal, which has wreaked havoc across the college hoops landscape since it controversially opened mid-NCAA Tournament on March 24, officially closes today. Over 1,000 Division I players jumped ship, and fans across the country have watched rosters unravel in real time. But while chaos ruled elsewhere, a sense of hope has suddenly emerged in Durham.
And it’s all because Isaiah Evans didn’t enter the portal.
The former five-star recruit and elite 3-point marksman had every reason to explore his options. Whether it was chasing a payday through the NIL-rich waters of the portal or testing the NBA Draft process, the rising sophomore’s next move was a complete mystery—until now.
Evans Stuns Fans by Staying Put—For Now
Sources close to the situation say Evans had serious interest from multiple programs had he entered the portal, and he still holds enough upside to test NBA Draft waters. But by not entering the portal, he’s sent a loud message: Duke’s still very much in the picture.
ESPN currently ranks Evans as the No. 42 overall NBA prospect—solid, but not a guaranteed first-round lock. And that’s exactly why returning to Durham might be his smartest move yet.
Why Another Year at Duke Could Make Evans a Lottery Pick
In 2024-25, Evans served as a deadly 3-and-D weapon, averaging 6.8 points in just 13.7 minutes per game. He knocked down 41.6% from deep, with a jaw-dropping 81% of his shots coming from beyond the arc. At 6’6”, his length and defensive upside turned heads, but there’s still room to grow—literally. At just 175 pounds, putting on muscle could take his game to a whole new level.
With Duke set to feature a new-look backcourt next season, Evans would likely step into a starting role alongside Caleb Foster, giving him a golden opportunity to showcase his all-around skillset and rocket up draft boards.
Durham Buzzing as Decision Looms
Evans could still declare for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining eligibility, but make no mistake—his silence on the portal front speaks volumes. With the deadline hours away, Duke fans are daring to believe the impossible: that one of their most promising talents isn’t going anywhere.
And if he does stay? Watch out.
The 2025-26 Blue Devils just might have the piece they need to chase another banner in Cameron Indoor.
