Jon Scheyer reacts to Isaiah Evans' breakout first half vs. Auburn: 'He's a big-time player'

A Top-10 showdown in early November means all eyes are on Duke vs. Auburn Wednesday night. When fans tuned to ESPN for the first half, they saw quite a show from Blue Devils freshman Isaiah Evans.

Evans put together a breakout performance through the opening 20 minutes, draining six three-pointers as part of an 18-point performance. He led the charge as Duke took a 43-36 lead over No. 2-ranked Auburn into the locker room, and Jon Scheyer was all smiles.

Speaking with ESPN’s Kris Budden, Scheyer – while trying to hear over the roar of Cameron Indoor Stadium – praised Evans’ strong showing. He specifically pointed out the work he puts in after practice, which helped prepare him to rise to the occasion.

“I’m so proud of him because, look, there’s still 20 minutes to go,” Scheyer said. “But as a freshman, he’s worked every single day before and after practice. He can have a different attitude. I knew he’d be ready to go. He’s a big-time player. We believe in him like crazy. Again, let’s put together 20 more minutes, but I love how our guys found him, too.”

Evans was a key part of Duke’s recruiting class this year. He arrived as a four-star prospect and the No. 15 overall player from the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Entering Wednesday’s game, he averaged 7.3 points across the first seven appearances of the year.

But when his number was called, Isaiah Evans rose to the challenge. He helped lead the rally after Auburn took an early 13-2 lead. Duke outscored the Tigers 41-23 from there, and Evans was the only Blue Devil in double figures. Caleb Foster had nine points and Cooper Flagg had six points to go with 10 rebounds through the first half.

As for what changed, Scheyer said Duke ramped up its defensive intensity. That needed to be the key in the second half, as well, considering the amount of playmakers Auburn has.

“We were tougher on the ball,” Scheyer said when asked what changed after the Tigers’ early run. “The first play, they get an offensive rebound. These guys crash like crazy, they can make contested threes. You have to finish possessions … and you have to keep them out of transition. They don’t have just one player who’s great. Anybody on the floor can go off.”