As the 2025 NBA Draft quickly approaches, one name fans expected to see in the pool has taken a step back. Duke Basketball’s Isaiah Evans had only begun to tap into his potential this past season. The NBA Draft Combine is set for May 11-18 in Chicago, Illinois.
Meanwhile, Evans has officially withdrawn from the draft. Instead, he will return to Durham to suit up for the Blue Devils in his sophomore year.
DRAFT COMBINE UPDATE: Isaiah Evans (Duke) has withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and will not attend the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 11, 2025
Evans’ decision caught some by surprise. After declaring as an early entry candidate and landing among 106 names on the NBA’s list, including being one of 75 players invited to the Combine, it seemed he was ready to make the jump. But the Charlotte-area native decided to pull back and prioritize his development.
Last season, Evans averaged a modest 6.8 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. Though he was projected as a possible mid-second-round pick, many believed the 6-foot-6 guard had far more room to grow. Another season will allow him to step into a larger role for Duke, especially as the team prepares to center much of its offense around its elite young core.
How Skipping The 2025 NBA Draft May Pay Off For Isaiah Evans?
Isaiah Evans revealed his plan to return on April 22. But his name remained on the early entry list until recently. The official NCAA deadline to withdraw and maintain college eligibility is May 28.
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Evans will now have the opportunity to elevate his game alongside a powerhouse lineup. With a breakout sophomore campaign, Evans could go from a second-round hopeful to a legitimate first-round pick in 2026.
Evans can use the season to sharpen his skills, build consistency, and improve his health, all of which could lift his draft stock considerably. For now, all eyes turn to Durham, where Evans will look to rise, regroup, and redefine his NBA path.
Also Read: The One-and-Done Rule: How The NBA Keeps High School Players Out Of The Draft?
