"Came here to put myself in an uncomfortable position": Isaiah Evans opens up on Duke decision after crucial role in Auburn upset
Duke Blue Devils defeated the No. 2 Auburn Tigers 84-78 on Wednesday behind Isaiah Evans’ commendable 3-point shooting. The freshman guard posted the best game of his young college career by hitting six of the Blue Devils’ nine 3-pointers for 18 points. Evans converted 6-of-8 shots from beyond the arc while the remaining cast shot 3-of-14.
Talking on "The Field Of 68: After Dark" after the Auburn game, the freshman expressed gratitude for being handed the opportunity against Auburn while elaborating on the decision to join Duke.
"It was amazing," Evans said. "Just being able to make the most out of my opportunity tonight shows the world what I can do, shows my coaches what I can do, gains confidence in my teammates."
"You just do it. At the end of the day, I came here for a difficult time. I came here to put myself in an uncomfortable position, to get better and to learn, but most of all, I'mma always stay ready because I'm a basketball player. That's my job, I feel like when I'm ever not ready that's a problem and you know tonight, it just paid off." (5:10)
All of Isaiah Evans' points came during a 12-minute stretch in the first half of the contest, helping Duke mount a 43-36 lead at the break. It was his first game against a ranked opponent.
Isaiah Evans talks about Cooper Flagg's on-court demeanor
Like Cooper Flagg, Isaiah Evans also came to the Blue Devils as a five-star recruit and after rejecting other top schools in the nation. However, the two have a distinct approach on the floor. Evans wears his heart on his sleeve whereas the top recruit in the nation prefers to be comparatively reserved.
"It's a lot on his shoulders at the end of the day," he said. "He has to stay laser-focused. That's his game. I'm a guy, I'm gonna get rowdy, I'm gonna get the crowd into it, I hype myself up."
"He's like straight line, get a stop, get a bucket and do it over again. I love playing with him, I love seeing him do his thing, attacking them paint hard, it's just great seeing it." (6:58)
The Blue Devils are 6-2 for the season. They face the Louisville Cardinals on Sunday, before heading back home to host Incarnate Word and George Mason.