By Nick Pantages
@nick_pantages22
North Mecklenburg wing Isaiah Evans’ slender, lanky 6-foot-7 frame gives him the ability to shoot over defenders, and although that may be the most noticeable part of his game, it is so much more than that. His ability to finish around the rim with both hands, display active feet defensively and quick playmaking instincts make Evans the complete package. Despite losing to Camden High School, Evans stuffed the stat sheet, posting a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while adding three assists and two steals.
Currently listed at No. 8 in the ESPN Top 100, Evans announced his commitment to Duke in April of 2023, choosing to stay in his home state of N.C. and play for head coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils.
The Student sat down with Evans to learn about his game on the court, his commitment to Duke and his favorite off-court activities.
What is your favorite basketball shoe?
“I like the KD’s, but the new LeBron 20’s, the mids, I like those. We got them in stock back in North Carolina.”
Who was your favorite player growing up and why?
“I’m gonna go with James Harden, he just has that stepback, and he was such an amazing scorer.”
What are you most excited for next year at Duke?
“I just want to get there, I just want to start the experience.”
What college road game are you looking forward to?
“Definitely [North] Carolina.”
What part of your game do you work on the most in practice?
“I’m definitely trying to work on my handles, so I can get to the basket more.”
Do you have a favorite tattoo?
“The second one I got, it says ‘Be Someone.’ I hold that close to my heart because I wanna grow and be somebody.”
Why do you wear the number 0?
“When I got to high school, they didn’t have my favorite number 26, that’s not really a number you can wear right now, so I like 0 and I’m gonna stick with it.”
Go to pregame meal?
“I’ll say skittles. Just anything sweet.”
If you weren’t playing basketball, what would you be doing?
“A welder. I like to play around in the shop, and it’s fun to me.”
Photo by Patrick Fergus/The Student.