Duke basketball just got a big boost for its 2025–26 campaign. Sophomore guard Isaiah Evans announced he’s pulling out of the NBA Draft and returning to Durham, a move that helps the Blue Devils beef up their backcourt and reshapes their projected starting five.
Evans, a 6-foot-6 wing, had flashes of high-level scoring potential as a true freshman. He averaged 6.8 points per game, mainly in a reserve capacity, but his size, scoring touch, and vertical upside caught the attention of NBA scouts. Nevertheless, he’s decided to continue growing under Jon Scheyer’s tenure. His return gives Duke exactly what every title contender needs: another playmaker with real upside.
With Evans back in the mix, let’s run down what Duke’s first five should look like in 2025–26.
Point Guard: Caleb Foster (Junior)
After a good sophomore run (2024–25 season), Foster averaged 4.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 41.7%. There is a good chance Caleb Foster will be the new floor general. Foster plays with pace, an unflustered handle, and leadership. As a junior, he’ll be expected to control Duke’s offense completely and mentor the younger guards.
Shooting Guard: Isaiah Evans (Sophomore)
Evans’ return locks him in as the starting two-guard. He’s a natural scorer who loves space, extra minutes, and confidence. He becomes Duke’s next breakout. As a freshman, Evans averaged 6.8 points in 17.4 minutes per game, shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.8% from three.
Another area Scheyer may ask more from Evans is by putting him in charge of more ball handling himself, which in turn gives him the opportunity to create off the dribble and punish smaller defenders with his length.
Duke’s Isaiah Evans has officially withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and will not participate in this week’s combine in Chicago, per release.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 11, 2025
Small Forward: Cedric Coward (Senior Transfer)
Coward played for Washington State during the 2024–25 season, averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over six games before a season-ending shoulder injury. He’s a tough, downhill wing who can defend multiple spots, something Scheyer values greatly. If he’s healthy, Coward easily fits into the first three.
Power Forward: Cameron Boozer (Freshman)
Here is where things start to heat up. The son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer, freshman Cameron Boozer is among the country’s top-ranked recruits. At 6-foot-9, he adds strength, smooth footwork, and a high motor. As the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2025 class, Boozer is anticipated to start immediately and contribute significantly.
Center: Pat Ngongba II (Sophomore)
Last year, Ngongba didn’t start, but he displayed potential as a reserve, particularly in the postseason. In the 2024-25 season, Ngongba averaged 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, with a 71.9% field goal percentage. He’s 6-11 and has a physical presence, good timing as a shot-blocker, and a soft touch on finish. Now that Kyle Filipowski is in the NBA, the starting center position is his to lose.
KEEP READING: Evan Bradds Joins Jon Scheyer, Duke Basketball Staff: All You Need to Know About the Blue Devils’ New Assistant Coach
Duke’s mix of veterans returning, high school stars incoming, and transfers with college experience provides them with one of the strongest and well-rounded rosters in the country. Evans’ return brings continuity and upside to what Jon Scheyer can reload rather than rebuild.
If the pieces fit—and that’s always the question with so much roster turnover—this Blue Devils team should be right in the mix for an ACC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
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