Duke Star Isaiah Evans Declares for 2026 NBA Draft

Isaiah Evans, a pivotal forward for the Duke Blue Devils, has officially declared his intention to enter the 2026 NBA Draft. This announcement comes after a stellar sophomore season where Evans significantly boosted his performance.

He averaged 15 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 38 games, starting every contest. His shooting splits improved to 43-36-86, solidifying his reputation as an elite shooter. Evans initially opted to return to Duke for his sophomore year, a decision that has now paid off as scouts project him as a mid-to-late first-round selection.

Standing at 6-foot-6 with a significant wingspan, Evans has drawn comparisons to Brandon Ingram for his scoring ability. While primarily a catch-and-shoot wing, he has also demonstrated capability off the dribble. Questions remain about his overall impact on both ends of the court in the NBA, particularly if his role shifts away from ball-handling.

Evans' potential selection would mark Duke's 57th and 58th first-round NBA draft picks, reinforcing the program's strong draft history. His pure shooting and promising physical attributes position him to make an impact at the professional level.