Durham, NC – The Duke Blue Devils basketball program is entering a period of significant transition as they navigate the departure of phenom Cooper Flagg to the NBA and eagerly anticipate the sophomore campaign of rising star Isaiah Evans. Flagg, the consensus No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, officially declared for the NBA Draft last week, marking the end of a highly anticipated but ultimately brief stint in Durham. Meanwhile, Evans, a McDonald’s All-American in his own right, has announced his return for the 2025–26 season, offering a beacon of excitement and potential for the Blue Devils faithful.
Cooper Flagg’s decision to turn professional after just one season at Duke comes as little surprise to many. The 6-foot-9 forward showcased an exceptional all-around game, averaging 19.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while displaying remarkable maturity and versatility on both ends of the court. His athleticism, court vision, and defensive prowess made him a dominant force in the NCAA and a projected lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. While his time in a Duke uniform was short, Flagg undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the program, electrifying crowds with his highlight-reel plays and unwavering competitive spirit. His departure leaves a significant void in Duke’s scoring, rebounding, and overall leadership, forcing Coach Jon Scheyer and his staff to re-evaluate their roster composition and offensive schemes for the upcoming season.
However, the news of Flagg’s departure has been tempered by the enthusiastic announcement of Isaiah Evans’ return for his sophomore year. Evans, a highly touted guard from North Mecklenburg High School in North Carolina, displayed flashes of brilliance during his freshman season. While his minutes and statistical output were somewhat limited due to the presence of seasoned veterans and the emergence of Flagg, Evans’ raw talent and potential were undeniable. His smooth scoring ability, impressive athleticism, and developing playmaking skills offer a tantalizing glimpse into what he could become with increased opportunities.
Sources close to the program suggest that Evans is poised for a breakout season in 2025–26. With Flagg’s departure and the potential for other players to move on, Evans is expected to assume a much larger role in the Blue Devils’ offense. His ability to create his own shot, penetrate the defense, and knock down perimeter jumpers could make him a primary scoring option for Duke. Furthermore, another year of development under Coach Scheyer’s tutelage is expected to refine his decision-making, defensive consistency, and overall understanding of the college game.
The contrast between Flagg’s one-and-done trajectory and Evans’ commitment to a second season highlights the evolving landscape of college basketball. While the allure of the NBA remains strong for elite freshmen, the opportunity for significant growth, leadership roles, and further development can be equally appealing for other highly talented players. Evans’ decision to return provides Duke with a crucial building block for the future, offering experience, talent, and a connection to the local basketball community.
Looking ahead, Coach Scheyer faces the challenge of integrating returning players like Evans with incoming recruits and potential transfer portal additions to forge a competitive roster for the 2025–26 season. The departure of a player of Flagg’s caliber will undoubtedly be felt, but the emergence of Isaiah Evans as a potential star offers a silver lining and a renewed sense of optimism for the Duke faithful. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Durham to see how this new chapter in Duke basketball unfolds.
