Duke Men’s Basketball: Welcome new assistant coach Evan Bradds
On May 1, 2025, Duke University announced the addition of Evan Bradds as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. This move comes after the departure of Jai Lucas, who joined the University of Kentucky’s coaching staff. Bradds brings a wealth of experience from both his collegiate playing career and his recent roles in the NBA, making him a valuable asset to Head Coach Jon Scheyer’s staff.(The Chronicle, Duke Basketball Report, Duke Basketball Report)
Evan Bradds hails from Jamestown, Ohio, and played college basketball at Belmont University. Standing 6’7″ and weighing 205 pounds, Bradds was a dominant force on the court. He was a two-time Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Player of the Year and finished as Belmont’s all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history with 1,921 points. Additionally, he ranks sixth all-time in NCAA Division I career field goal percentage at .667. His remarkable efficiency and scoring prowess were key factors in Belmont’s success during his tenure. (Wikipedia, Belmont University)
Following his playing career, Bradds embarked on a coaching journey that began in 2017 with the Boston Celtics. He started as a video assistant and quickly advanced to the player development staff. During his time with the Celtics, Bradds contributed to the development of players like Grant Williams and Robert Williams, focusing on their skill enhancement and overall growth. His work was instrumental in the team’s success, including their appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. (Belmont University, Wikipedia)
In 2022, Bradds joined the Utah Jazz as an assistant coach, continuing his focus on player development. Working under head coach Will Hardy, Bradds applied his expertise to help elevate the performance of Jazz players, preparing them for the rigors of the NBA. His experience with the Jazz further solidified his reputation as a skilled and effective coach.(Belmont University, Wikipedia)
At Duke, Bradds will take on a multifaceted role, leveraging his extensive background in player development and his understanding of the NBA’s demands. Head Coach Jon Scheyer expressed confidence in Bradds’ ability to connect with players and provide them with insights into professional basketball. Scheyer emphasized that Bradds’ experience will be invaluable in preparing Duke’s players for the next level. (Duke Basketball Report)
Bradds’ appointment is expected to enhance Duke’s recruiting efforts, particularly in identifying and developing talent that can succeed at the professional level. His firsthand knowledge of the NBA’s expectations will be crucial in guiding players through their collegiate careers with an eye toward their futures in professional basketball.
Evan Bradds’ hiring as an assistant coach for Duke men’s basketball marks a strategic move to bolster the program’s development and recruitment capabilities. With his impressive background as a player and his extensive experience in the NBA, Bradds is poised to make a significant impact on the Blue Devils’ coaching staff. His contributions will undoubtedly help shape the next generation of Duke basketball players, preparing them for success both on and off the court.
