Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Commit Isaiah Evans Puts Lid on Rumors

Duke basketball's latest pledge is on top of shutting down made-up chatter.

Matt Giles

Duke Basketball Commit Isaiah Evans Puts Lid on Rumors
Duke Basketball Commit Isaiah Evans Puts Lid on Rumors /
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Future Duke basketball wing Isaiah Evans, who committed to the Blue Devils less than two weeks ago, worried some fans at first glance by issuing a "STATEMENT" on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon. But the tweet has nothing to do with the 2024 five-star prospect's allegiance to Jon Scheyer and his staff.

No, it seems Evans is dealing with a harsh new reality in the NIL era: rumors about handlers and whatnot.

Here's what the 6-foot-7, 170-pound junior, a spitting image of former Duke basketball one-and-done and North Carolina native Brandon Ingram in the eyes of some, wrote:

"As I continue my journey to becoming not only a college athlete but a future professional athlete in the NBA, I would like to clarify some confusing thoughts and rumors that have been brought to my attention. I, along with my family, are not being influenced, guided and/or handled by any individual, coach, management group, or agency while I am on this journey to obtain my dream(s)..."

Isaiah Evans, No. 20 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, continued by noting that he and his mother are in charge of handling all potential opportunities:

"If there is any opportunity regarding my life and career, at this moment, please continue to ONLY contact my Mother Marieke Lemon. If you have been in contact with anyone beside my mother, please know that I do apologize for the inconvenience. If we so choose to work with anyone, you can expect to know that information by contacting me or my mother directly. Thank you."

It's troubling that any recruit would now have to deal with false rumors about outside representation rather than focusing on his growth and life as a teenager. However, it's encouraging to see that he and his mom are on the ball when it comes to quashing them.

Along with Evans, the reigning North Carolina prep player of the year, the Duke basketball coaches have landed a commitment from Paul VI Catholic (Va.) four-star small forward Darren Harris on the 2024 recruiting trail.

RELATED: List of Every Recruit Holding a Blue Devil Offer

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for more Duke basketball recruiting updates.

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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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