After Duke’s 75–60 win over Texas, the postgame buzz wasn’t about the freshmen debuts or Jon Scheyer’s defensive adjustments — it was about one player who quietly stole the spotlight.
Isaiah Evans, the sophomore guard known for his smooth shooting stroke and fearless confidence, was the name everyone inside the locker room couldn’t stop mentioning.
From the coaching staff to the players, Evans was the tone-setter. On a night when the Blue Devils struggled to find their rhythm early, it was Evans’ energy — and his timely shot-making — that kept Duke afloat.
“He just doesn’t flinch,” Scheyer said. “When the offense was flat, Isaiah gave us life. His confidence is contagious — and he plays with no fear.”
Evans Stepped Up When Duke Needed It Most
In the opening minutes, Duke’s offense looked shaky. Missed layups, turnovers, and rushed possessions gave Texas early confidence. But when the Longhorns started building momentum, Evans changed the entire vibe.
He knocked down a series of tough jumpers, including back-to-back threes that shifted momentum and settled the Blue Devils into the game. By halftime, he had 15 points, more than double any of his teammates.
“I just wanted to bring energy,” Evans said afterward. “When the shots weren’t falling for us early, I knew somebody had to make something happen. I’ve been working for moments like that.”
What Duke’s Coaches Are Seeing Behind the Scenes
Those inside Duke’s program say Evans’ performance didn’t surprise them. His work ethic during the offseason — particularly his focus on shot selection and on-ball defense — has made him one of the team’s most reliable two-way players.
“He’s different this year,” assistant coach Chris Carrawell said. “He’s not just a scorer anymore. He’s locking in defensively, talking on switches, and taking pride in guarding the other team’s best perimeter guy. That’s what’s earning him so much respect from this group.”
Scheyer echoed that sentiment, calling Evans a “spark” who can change a game without forcing the issue.
A Maturity Moment
Perhaps the biggest step for Evans isn’t his offense — it’s how he’s embraced leadership. During a second-half timeout, when Duke’s energy started dipping again, it wasn’t Scheyer who did the talking — it was Evans.
“He’s starting to realize his voice matters,” Scheyer said. “He doesn’t need to score 20 to impact the game. But when he talks, the team listens.”
That maturity, coaches say, is what separates Evans from last year’s version of himself — a talented but inconsistent freshman still finding his identity. Now, he’s playing with poise and purpose.
The Player to Watch Going Forward
Duke’s roster is loaded with storylines — Cameron Boozer’s arrival, Dame Sarr’s athleticism, Patrick Ngongba’s toughness — but Evans is quietly emerging as the heartbeat of the team.
When the game got ugly, he steadied them. When Texas made a run, he answered. And when Scheyer needed someone to set the tone, Evans was that guy.
“He’s built for the big moments,” Scheyer said. “Every great team needs a player who doesn’t wait for someone else to take control. Isaiah is becoming that for us.”
The Blue Devils return to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday to face Western Carolina, but after Tuesday night, it’s clear who everyone will be watching.
Forget the rest of the roster — if Isaiah Evans keeps playing with this kind of confidence, Duke’s ceiling might be higher than anyone expected.
