There are certain moments in the evolution of a storied basketball program that feel like inflection points — milestones where the foundation of the future is laid by the decisions made today. One of those moments has just arrived in Durham, North Carolina. The addition of Evan — a brilliant basketball mind and an elite-level developer of talent — to the Duke Basketball staff is one of those decisions that could prove to be transformative in the years to come. His arrival, alongside his wife Mackenzie, brings a renewed sense of excitement, purpose, and belief in the direction this program is heading. And we could not be more thrilled to welcome them into the Duke family.
Evan is not just a hire. He is an investment in the future of Duke Basketball. He is a walking embodiment of everything the Blue Devil standard represents — excellence, intelligence, humility, and relentless work ethic. From the moment he arrived on campus, it was clear that Evan’s approach to the game transcends conventional thinking. He doesn’t just coach. He teaches. He inspires. He understands the subtle art of player development in a way that resonates with athletes at every level — from high school stars transitioning to college, to college players making the leap to the NBA.
What sets Evan apart is his ability to connect deeply with players, not just as athletes, but as people. It’s a gift. A rare one. And it’s rooted in authenticity. In today’s world of college basketball, where relationships can often feel transactional, Evan offers something far more meaningful: trust. Players can sense when a coach genuinely cares about their future, their growth, and their voice. That’s the foundation Evan builds. He listens. He learns. He adapts. And in return, players buy in — not because they’re told to, but because they want to. That’s the kind of culture that wins championships.
His resume speaks for itself. Evan has been in NBA locker rooms, worked with some of the most elite athletes on the planet, and earned respect from peers across the highest levels of the game. He’s been on the front lines of player development, honing skills, improving shot mechanics, refining footwork, studying film until 2 a.m., and helping players unlock the next level of their game. This is a man who knows how to build pros — not just in talent, but in mindset. He knows what it takes. He’s lived it. And now, he brings that experience to one of the most iconic programs in all of sports.
But it’s not just what Evan brings in terms of basketball acumen. It’s who he is as a person. A husband. A mentor. A leader. The moment you sit down with Evan, you realize this is someone who carries himself with humility and strength. He isn’t loud. He doesn’t seek the spotlight. He lets his work speak for itself. And that work — in every sense — is elite. His wife, Mackenzie, is equally impressive. Together, they are a force — kind, intelligent, grounded, and driven by purpose. They embody what it means to be part of a community. They uplift. They serve. They lead with heart. And that’s exactly the type of energy that will enrich our Duke family both on and off the court.
In a time when college athletics is evolving rapidly — with NIL, the transfer portal, and an ever-changing recruiting landscape — having someone like Evan in the room is invaluable. His approach is modern, but it’s also timeless. He understands the importance of building a program rooted in values, development, and genuine connection. He’s not chasing quick wins; he’s building lasting success. That’s what makes him special. He’s the type of coach who leaves a lasting imprint — not just on players’ jump shots, but on their lives.
Every player who walks into Cameron Indoor Stadium wants to get better. They want to be coached. They want to be pushed. And now, with Evan in the fold, they’ll have access to one of the best minds in the game — someone who can take their potential and help turn it into reality. He sees the details others miss. He understands angles, timing, spacing, rhythm. His approach is equal parts science and art. It’s not about overwhelming players with information — it’s about unlocking understanding, empowering them to see the game differently.
And Evan’s impact won’t be limited to individual improvement. His presence will elevate the entire staff. Great coaching is a collaborative effort. It requires trust, chemistry, and a shared vision. Evan brings all of that. He’s the kind of colleague who makes everyone around him better — thoughtful in meetings, intentional in communication, and relentlessly committed to the shared goal of helping Duke Basketball reach new heights. He’s not here for ego. He’s here for excellence.
Recruiting is another area where Evan’s skill set will prove invaluable. Young athletes and their families want to know who they’re trusting with their futures. They want to know that development will be a priority. They want to feel a connection. Evan brings credibility, passion, and a track record that speaks volumes. When he walks into a living room or makes a call, it’s not just a pitch — it’s a promise: that if you come to Duke, you will be surrounded by coaches who care deeply about your journey and are committed to preparing you for the highest levels of the game.
There’s also something to be said for energy — that intangible feeling that you get when someone walks into a gym and everything just feels a little sharper, a little more focused. That’s what Evan brings. A contagious energy. A passion that lifts everyone. Practices will be sharper. Film sessions will be smarter. Workouts will be more purposeful. Because Evan doesn’t do anything halfway. He’s all in. Every day. Every moment. And that mindset rubs off on everyone around him.
One of the things that stands out most about Evan is his hunger to learn. Despite all of his experience and success, he remains a student of the game. He watches. He listens. He asks questions. He embraces new ideas. That openness is rare — and it’s powerful. It creates an environment where innovation is welcomed, where growth is constant, and where every member of the program feels empowered to contribute. That’s how great teams are built. That’s how dynasties are sustained.
It’s impossible to overstate the value of having someone like Evan as part of this journey. In a world where so much changes so quickly, the best programs are built on people — people who care, who lead, who invest in others. Evan and Mackenzie are exactly those kinds of people. And Durham is better for having them here.
You can already feel the momentum building. The buzz around the practice facility is real. Players are excited. Staff members are energized. There’s a new level of intensity — a sense that something special is brewing. Evan is helping lead that charge. Quietly. Effectively. Unselfishly. His fingerprints are already all over the program, and we’re just getting started.
For the fans who live and breathe Duke Basketball, this is a moment to be excited. Not just because we’ve added a tremendous basketball mind, but because we’ve added someone who fits perfectly into the fabric of what this program is all about. Evan believes in doing things the right way. He believes in the power of hard work, in the beauty of a well-run offense, in the joy of watching a young player blossom. He believes in the process. And at Duke, we believe in people like Evan.
There will be moments in the months ahead — late-night practices, big-time games, clutch shots, hard-fought wins, and even painful losses — where Evan’s influence will shine. It might be in a timeout huddle. It might be in a one-on-one film session. It might be in the quiet moments after a game when a player needs encouragement, or perspective, or simply someone to talk to. Evan will be there. Consistently. Steadily. Always bringing out the best in those around him.
And it’s that consistency — that day-by-day commitment — that will leave the greatest mark. Because that’s what championship cultures are built on. Not just talent, but trust. Not just Xs and Os, but relationships. Not just big plays, but small moments. Evan understands that. He lives it. And now, he brings that ethos to Durham.
So today, as we welcome Evan and Mackenzie to the Duke family, we do so with gratitude, with excitement, and with confidence in what’s to come. This is more than a coaching addition. It’s a cultural enhancement. It’s a bold step toward the future. It’s a recognition that the very best programs are built by people who care deeply, work relentlessly, and lead with heart.
Welcome to Durham, Evan and Mackenzie. We’re so glad you’re here. Let’s get to work.