The NBA draft is always a thrilling period for college basketball fans. With top prospects making career-defining decisions, every twist and turn draws attention. This season, Isaiah Evans, one of Duke’s standout freshmen, made headlines by withdrawing from the 2025 NBA draft. His decision reshapes expectations for both Duke basketball and the wider college basketball landscape.

Why Isaiah Evans Withdrew from the NBA Draft

Isaiah Evans emerged as a promising freshman for the Duke Blue Devils, showing tremendous upside despite limited playing time. While he was ranked as the No. 44 overall draft prospect, many believed that Evans had just scratched the surface of his potential. According to Duke Basketball Report, Evans recognized his need to gain more experience and physical strength. Rather than jumping to the next level too soon, he chose to return to Duke for his sophomore year. This move promises benefits for both Evans and his team: another year of college play should boost his draft stock and help Duke challenge for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

What This Means for Duke's 2025 Season

Evans’ return gives Duke basketball an edge heading into next season. His combination of size (6’6”), sharpshooting, and defensive prowess make him a nightmare matchup on the perimeter. During his freshman campaign, Evans shot a stellar 41.6% from beyond the arc, adding dangerous scoring potential. For more insight into his numbers and Duke’s future lineup, Hoops Rumors notes that Evans is expected to take on a bigger role now, with several teammates still in the draft pool. This shift could see him blossom into a first-round or lottery pick in next year’s draft.

Broader Implications for NBA Draft Prospects

Evans isn’t the only college player weighing the pros and cons of entering the NBA draft early. Many prospects find themselves in a similar position, where the potential for more NIL money and greater development in college outweighs immediate entry into professional basketball. As Sporting News highlights, such decisions can impact entire teams and shape the competitive balance of college hoops for the coming season.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 NBA Draft and Beyond

With Isaiah Evans returning to college, he and the Duke Blue Devils look poised for a strong campaign. His continued development will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike. As more players assess their draft futures, the evolving nature of college basketball and the NBA draft process remains a captivating narrative for sports enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for further updates as the draft approaches—and keep an eye on Isaiah Evans, who could be one of next year’s breakout stars.