In a move that has sent ripples throughout the college basketball world, Duke University has officially announced Evan Bradds as the newest assistant coach for the Blue Devils men’s basketball program. The announcement was made early Friday morning, marking another strategic step by head coach Jon Scheyer as he continues to shape the next era of Duke basketball. Bradds, a former standout player at Belmont and an ascending coaching mind in both the NBA and college ranks, is bringing his deep basketball acumen and developmental expertise to one of the sport’s most prestigious programs.
Bradds arrives in Durham after several years with the Boston Celtics organization, where he most recently served as a player enhancement coach. His tenure in the NBA included time under the guidance of head coach Joe Mazzulla, a former college teammate, and Brad Stevens, one of the most respected minds in professional basketball. Bradds’ reputation within league circles is that of a tireless worker, a sharp developmental coach, and a rising star whose ability to connect with players and refine their skills is as impressive as his basketball IQ.
While many fans may not yet be familiar with Bradds’ name, those inside the game speak of him with high regard. He was a two-time OVC Player of the Year finalist at Belmont, where he averaged 17.6 points and 9.2 rebounds in his senior season and shot an eye-popping 71.2% from the field — the best mark in NCAA Division I at the time. His cerebral approach to the game as a player translated naturally into a coaching career, and he wasted no time establishing himself as someone capable of making an immediate impact.
At Duke, Bradds steps into a high-pressure environment with unparalleled expectations. The Blue Devils, a perennial powerhouse with five national championships, are in the thick of one of the most competitive periods in college basketball history. With NIL, the transfer portal, and an ever-evolving recruiting landscape, coaching staffs are being asked to do more than ever. In Bradds, Duke adds a coach who not only understands the new era of basketball but has thrived in it.
Jon Scheyer, who himself was promoted to head coach in 2021 following the retirement of the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, made the decision with a clear long-term vision in mind. Scheyer, still in the early stages of his tenure, has already proven to be bold in constructing his staff. The hiring of Bradds underscores a commitment to player development, modern analytics, and NBA-style preparation — all key to preparing Duke’s one-and-done talent for the next level.
In a statement released by the university, Scheyer praised Bradds for his “basketball intelligence, work ethic, and ability to form meaningful relationships with players.” He added, “Evan is a perfect fit for what we’re building at Duke. He’s been around elite talent, he understands the demands of this program, and he’s hungry to compete for championships. Our players are going to benefit greatly from his insight, his passion, and his experience both as a player and coach.”
Bradds joins a coaching staff that includes associate head coach Chris Carrawell and assistants Jai Lucas and Amile Jefferson, rounding out one of the youngest and most dynamic coaching units in the country. All four coaches bring unique strengths to the table, and the addition of Bradds only adds to Duke’s depth when it comes to skill development, scouting, and recruiting.
Though Bradds’ name may not carry the same weight as former Duke stars-turned-coaches like Jefferson or Carrawell, his resume is more than enough to command respect. During his time with the Celtics, Bradds worked closely with stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Al Horford, helping them fine-tune specific aspects of their game and navigate the grind of the NBA season. That kind of real-world experience is invaluable in a collegiate setting, particularly at a school like Duke, which sends multiple players to the NBA Draft each year.
Bradds’ ability to relate to players, particularly big men, could pay immediate dividends for the Blue Devils. Duke has a loaded frontcourt for the upcoming season, with standout talents like 7-foot-6 center Olivier Rioux and potential lottery pick Khaman Maluach anchoring the paint. Bradds, a former elite post player himself, is expected to play a pivotal role in their development — not just on the court, but off it as well. His calm demeanor and player-first mentality have earned him a reputation as a mentor as much as a tactician.
Recruiting is also expected to be part of Bradds’ responsibilities. While he may not have the deep AAU ties of someone like Lucas, his NBA pedigree and genuine approach are likely to resonate with both players and parents. In an age when recruits are increasingly looking for coaches who can prepare them for the professional ranks, Bradds offers a rare blend of relatability and real-world knowledge. His time in the league, especially in a winning culture like Boston’s, gives him instant credibility.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Duke’s offseason. The Blue Devils are coming off another strong season under Scheyer, including a deep NCAA Tournament run and another top-five recruiting class. With Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, returning for a sophomore season, expectations are through the roof in Durham. The addition of Bradds is seen as yet another move toward maintaining Duke’s elite status while continuing to innovate behind the scenes.
Already, former teammates, coaches, and NBA staffers have chimed in to congratulate Bradds on the new role. Joe Mazzulla, his most recent boss with the Celtics, praised him as “an incredibly thoughtful and detailed coach who understands how to teach the game at the highest level.” Brad Stevens, now the Celtics’ president of basketball operations, added, “Evan is one of the most prepared and selfless coaches I’ve ever worked with. Duke is getting a great one.”
For Bradds himself, the move represents a homecoming of sorts — not to Duke, but to college basketball. After years in the NBA, the opportunity to return to the campus environment, help shape young players, and be part of a tradition-rich program like Duke was too good to pass up. Sources close to Bradds say he has long admired the culture at Duke and was eager to bring his unique blend of professional experience and personal values to the collegiate level.
He now steps into a role that will test him in new ways, but also allow him to continue doing what he does best — help players improve, hold them accountable, and build lasting relationships. With his basketball lineage (his grandfather Gary Bradds was a former NBA player and college star at Ohio State) and lifelong love for the game, coaching at a blue blood like Duke is not just a job — it’s a calling.