Sad to Miss Flagg: Isaiah Evans Returning to Duke as Cooper Flagg Declares for NBA Draft…
In a surprising twist of events, Duke Blue Devils fans are facing a bittersweet offseason. While one star exits, another stays committed. Cooper Flagg, the much-hyped freshman phenom, officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft this week, while rising sophomore Isaiah Evans confirmed he’ll return to Durham for at least one more season.
Flagg’s announcement didn’t exactly shock anyone—his elite skill set, defensive intensity, and court vision have had NBA scouts raving since his high school days at Montverde Academy. Projected as the potential No. 1 overall pick, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 18.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game in his lone season at Duke. His departure leaves a void not just on the court, but in the hearts of Blue Devil fans who had hoped for a deeper NCAA tournament run this past season.
Social media lit up with tributes and highlight reels after Flagg made his decision public. “Sad to miss Flagg,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He gave us hope, swagger, and unforgettable moments. Wishing him the best in the league.”
But even as the program says goodbye to a generational talent, the return of Isaiah Evans is a major silver lining—and a reason to believe that next year’s Duke squad could still be something special.
Evans, a 6-foot-7 wing known for his scoring instincts and perimeter defense, had a promising freshman year that was at times overshadowed by Flagg’s stardom. He averaged 10.4 points per game while shooting 37% from beyond the arc, and his confidence grew steadily as the season progressed. With Flagg gone, Evans is now expected to take on a leadership role and become the face of Duke’s next chapter.
“I feel like I’ve got more to prove,” Evans said in a statement. “I love this school, and I’m not done wearing this jersey. I’m coming back hungrier than ever.”
Head Coach Jon Scheyer will certainly welcome that hunger. The Blue Devils will now retool around Evans and a strong incoming freshman class, which includes top-20 recruits and much-needed depth in the frontcourt. The coaching staff is also rumored to be active in the transfer portal, potentially looking for a veteran big to fill the gap left by Flagg’s exit.
Analysts believe that while Duke may lack a once-in-a-generation player like Flagg next season, the team could be more balanced and cohesive overall. “Isaiah Evans returning is a huge boost,” ESPN’s Jay Bilas said. “He’s a guy who can explode next year with more touches and more responsibility.”
For now, Duke fans are left with mixed emotions—celebrating the future of one young star while saying goodbye to another. But as Evans steps into a larger spotlight, there’s hope that this story is far from over.
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