Jon Scheyer Expects More Minutes for Duke Basketball Guard Isaiah Evans
As Duke basketball gears up for another exciting season, head coach Jon Scheyer has made it clear that one player who will be seeing a significant increase in playing time is sophomore guard Isaiah Evans. The talented guard, who has already made waves with his raw potential, will be given a larger role in the upcoming season, and Scheyer’s comments have sparked excitement among Duke fans and basketball analysts alike.
The Rise of Isaiah Evans
Isaiah Evans joined the Duke Blue Devils with high expectations as one of the top prospects in his recruiting class. A versatile guard known for his scoring ability, Evans’ arrival in Durham was met with anticipation, as many believed he could contribute immediately. During his freshman season, Evans showed flashes of brilliance, showcasing his athleticism, defensive tenacity, and scoring ability in limited minutes. However, like many freshmen, he had to adjust to the demands of college basketball, and his minutes were somewhat inconsistent.
Despite that, Evans’ potential was clear to anyone who followed Duke basketball closely. He demonstrated an ability to impact the game in a variety of ways—whether it was by driving to the basket, knocking down outside shots, or providing energy on defense. As the season progressed, Evans became more comfortable within Duke’s system and began to showcase the skills that made him such an intriguing prospect coming out of high school.
With the Blue Devils poised for another strong season, Evans’ development as a player has become one of the focal points for Scheyer and his coaching staff. Recognizing that Evans has the tools to contribute more significantly, Scheyer is set to give the sophomore guard an expanded role in the 2025–2026 season.
Jon Scheyer’s Plan for Evans
In a recent press conference, Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized his intention to give Evans more playing time in the upcoming season. The reason for this decision is twofold: first, Evans has shown significant growth since his freshman year, and second, Duke needs depth and versatility in their backcourt.
“Isaiah has put in a lot of work during the offseason,” Scheyer said. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in his game, both offensively and defensively. He has the potential to be one of the top guards in the conference, and we plan to give him more minutes this season.”
Evans’ growth has been evident in several areas. He has worked hard on his shooting mechanics, making significant strides as an outside shooter, and he’s become more comfortable running the offense. His defensive prowess, once a bit raw, has also taken a step forward, allowing him to contribute on that end of the floor with greater consistency. These improvements have given Scheyer confidence in Evans’ ability to step into a larger role and contribute in a meaningful way for the Blue Devils.
With Duke’s roster featuring a mix of veteran players and talented newcomers, Evans’ expanded role will be crucial in providing depth in the backcourt. Scheyer is looking for Evans to not only provide a scoring spark off the bench but also serve as a defensive stopper, providing the Blue Devils with a more dynamic and versatile rotation.
The Importance of Depth in Duke’s Backcourt
One of the key factors in Jon Scheyer’s decision to increase Evans’ playing time is the importance of depth in the backcourt. Duke has consistently been known for its stellar guard play, and the 2025-2026 season is expected to be no different. With several talented guards on the roster, including returning players and new recruits, there is a need for multiple players to step up and contribute consistently.
In particular, Evans’ ability to score from all three levels—driving to the basket, shooting from mid-range, and stretching the floor with his three-point shooting—will give Scheyer more flexibility when putting together his lineups. The ability to keep fresh legs on the floor will be important in the grueling ACC schedule, and Evans’ versatility allows him to fit into different lineups, whether as a primary ball handler, a shooting guard, or even playing alongside another guard in a two-guard set.
Furthermore, Evans’ defensive capability is something Scheyer has emphasized as a key component of his role on the team. Duke has long been known for its relentless defense, and Evans is expected to contribute in this area by using his athleticism and length to disrupt opposing players, especially in transition and on the perimeter. His ability to lock down on defense will not only help Duke in the half-court setting but also trigger fast breaks that allow the Blue Devils to utilize their speed and athleticism.
Evans’ Development and Offseason Work
Isaiah Evans’ commitment to improving his game during the offseason has been a key factor in his expected increased role. By all accounts, Evans has been putting in the work both on and off the court, refining his shooting, ball-handling, and basketball IQ. His dedication to his craft has earned him the trust of his coaches and teammates.
“Isaiah has really impressed me this offseason,” said Scheyer. “He’s shown that he’s committed to developing his game, and that hard work has started to pay off. He’s been a sponge in practice, absorbing everything he can from our coaching staff and the veterans on the team. I think he’s ready to take the next step.”
Evans has also worked on becoming more consistent in his shooting, particularly from behind the arc. One area where he showed flashes last season was his ability to knock down three-pointers, but consistency was an issue. During the offseason, Evans focused on refining his shooting form and improving his shot selection, hoping to become a reliable scoring threat for Duke. If he can continue to improve his perimeter shooting, he will be a major asset for the Blue Devils.
Moreover, Evans has worked on his physical conditioning, ensuring that he is prepared for the demands of a larger role. His quickness and agility have always been strengths, but by focusing on strength and endurance, Evans has positioned himself to handle the increased workload that will come with more playing time.
What to Expect from Evans in the 2025-2026 Season
With increased minutes, Duke fans can expect Isaiah Evans to have a more significant impact on both ends of the floor. As a guard with a combination of scoring ability and defensive prowess, Evans will likely be called upon to be a two-way player for the Blue Devils. His scoring versatility will allow him to contribute in various offensive sets, whether as a primary ball handler, a spot-up shooter, or an off-the-ball scorer cutting to the basket.
Defensively, Evans will be relied upon to provide perimeter defense, with the ability to guard opposing guards and wings. His length and athleticism make him a disruptive force, capable of affecting shots and causing turnovers. Whether it’s in a starting role or coming off the bench, Evans’ defensive intensity will be crucial for Duke as they look to compete for another ACC title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
On offense, Evans’ ability to stretch the floor and create for himself and others will be critical. With Duke boasting a talented roster full of dynamic playmakers, Evans’ role as a scoring guard who can create opportunities for his teammates will be vital to the Blue Devils’ success. His growth as a playmaker will also be something to watch, as he will likely be asked to initiate offense when needed and create shots for others.
A Bright Future for Isaiah Evans
As Jon Scheyer looks to build on Duke’s success and continue the program’s tradition of excellence, Isaiah Evans’ increased role in the 2025–2026 season is one of the most exciting developments for Blue Devils fans. Evans’ growth as a player, combined with his versatility, athleticism, and work ethic, makes him a key figure in Duke’s upcoming season.
While it’s clear that Duke’s backcourt will feature a talented group of players, Evans’ potential to step into a larger role will be crucial for the team’s success. Whether as a starter or key contributor off the bench, Evans’ ability to impact the game on both sides of the floor will make him a valuable asset for Scheyer and the Blue Devils. With the potential to take the next step in his development, Evans is poised to be a breakout player in the 2025–2026 season and beyond.