Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Signee Remarks on Blue Devils, 'Bandwagon' Fans

Future Duke basketball talent Isaiah Evans believes Jon Scheyer's second squad is "figuring it out."

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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As a longtime Duke basketball enthusiast before announcing his commitment to Jon Scheyer and his staff in April, North Meck (N.C.) five-star forward Isaiah Evans should already have some understanding of the impatient, overreactive criticisms that come with being a player for the five-time national champs. And it sounds like he does.

At the pre-Christmas City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., the Duke signee summarized to League Ready what he's seen from the 2023-24 Blue Devils, who ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, fell to No. 22 via three early losses, and now sit at No. 16 after defeating then-10 Baylor last week.

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Evans, a 6-foot-6, 170-pound potent bucket-getter who ranks No. 13 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite and will arrive in Durham next year alongside at least four other heralded recruits, referenced the "bandwagon" fans.

"I think teams win games and they lose games," Evans explained to League Ready. "People are going to hop on the bandwagon and hop off as soon as they feel like you're not holding up to their expectations. But I think they're figuring it out. I think they're fixing to come together real nice and play hard in the tournament."

In Scheyer's debut as a head coach last season, his Blue Devils had three losses at this same juncture. Then, they had a worrisome-to-some 7-5 record across the next six weeks before reeling off 10 consecutive wins, including three in Greensboro to capture the ACC Tournament crown.

Nevertheless, if Scheyer's second Duke basketball squad struggles again and often over the next several weeks, there are sure to be some folks mashing the panic button repeatedly across all social media.

But don't expect Isaiah Evans to be among them.

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The Blue Devils have won three straight entering their home game against unranked Queens at 2 p.m. ET Saturday (The CW), the last non-conference contest on Duke's regular season slate.

Duke Now on Same Line as Rival UNC in Latest Bracketology

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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