Duke Basketball Appoints Evan Bradds as Assistant Coach
Duke University has announced the hiring of Evan Bradds as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team, succeeding Jai Lucas. Bradds, a former standout at Belmont University, brings a wealth of experience from his recent tenure with the Utah Jazz, where he served as an assistant coach focusing on player development. His appointment is expected to enhance Duke’s commitment to player growth and development.
Evan Bradds: A Proven Track Record in Player Development
Evan Bradds’ journey to Duke is marked by a series of accomplishments that underscore his expertise in basketball and player development. Born in Jamestown, Ohio, Bradds attended Greeneview High School before committing to Belmont University. At Belmont, he made an immediate impact, earning Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Freshman of the Week honors multiple times. As a sophomore, he led the nation in field goal percentage and was named the OVC Player of the Year in both 2016 and 2017. His collegiate career culminated with him being named a two-time AP Honorable Mention All-American.
After concluding his playing career, Bradds transitioned into coaching. He began as an assistant coach with the Maine Red Claws, the Boston Celtics’ NBA G League affiliate, before being promoted to the Celtics’ player enhancement staff. In 2022, he joined the Utah Jazz as an assistant coach, focusing on player development and leading the team’s Summer League efforts in 2023. His experience in the NBA provided him with valuable insights into the professional development of players.
Jon Scheyer’s Vision for Duke Basketball
Head coach Jon Scheyer expressed enthusiasm about Bradds’ appointment, highlighting his “unbelievable basketball mind” and “NBA player development experience.” Scheyer emphasized Bradds’ ability to build meaningful relationships with players, a quality central to Duke’s team culture. He believes Bradds’ experience and forward-thinking approach will help maintain Duke’s prominence in college basketball.
A Strategic Move for Duke
The hiring of Bradds reflects Duke’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of college basketball. His background in player development aligns with the program’s emphasis on preparing athletes for success both on and off the court. As Duke continues to recruit top-tier talent, Bradds’ expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in the development of future stars.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the addition of Evan Bradds to the coaching staff is expected to bring a new dynamic to Duke’s player development strategies. His experience and insights will be invaluable assets as the Blue Devils aim to build on their recent successes and continue their tradition of excellence in college basketball.
the appointment of Evan Bradds as an assistant coach marks a significant step in Duke’s ongoing efforts to enhance its basketball program. With his proven track record and alignment with the program’s values, Bradds is poised to make a meaningful impact on the development of Duke’s student-athletes.
