Blue Devil Country

Incoming Duke Basketball Wing Isaiah Evans Enjoys Jersey Retirement

Before embarking on his Duke basketball career, Isaiah Evans is embracing the recognition he earned as a prolific public school kid.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball recruiting signee Isaiah Evans
Duke basketball recruiting signee Isaiah Evans / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
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On the way to capping off a now-legendary high school career with a state championship, North Meck High School (N.C.) forward Isaiah Evans wowed and entertained crowds. The 2024 Duke basketball signee backed up his brash smack-talk game by routinely finishing contests with 30 points or more, sometimes reaching 40 or even 60.

Now, the 6-foot-6, 170-pound "Showtime Slim" McDonald's All-American must take time to appreciate what he's already accomplished. There's no better place to do precisely that than at a ceremony for one's jersey retirement.

And on Sunday afternoon, the North Meck Hoops social media account posted the following video from Evans' well-deserved moment, confirming that he's the last person to ever wear No. 0 at North Meck:

However, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Evans don No. 0 again as soon as next season. After all, the number became available in Durham via 2023-24 Blue Devil freshman sensation Jared McCain's announced early departure to the NBA.

At No. 15 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, Isaiah Evans ranks third-highest among the six Duke basketball prizes in what has long been cemented as the nation's top-ranked class.

The other five incoming Blue Devil rookies are Montverde Academy (Fla.) five-star forward Cooper Flagg (No. 1 composite ranking), NBA Academy Africa five-star center Khaman Maluach (No. 6), Wisconsin Lutheran five-star forward Kon Knueppel (No. 16), Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.) five-star center Patrick Ngongba II (No. 26), and Ngongba's teammate in four-star forward Darren Harris.

RELATED: Next Knueppel Names for Blue Devils to Know

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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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