In a calculated move to strengthen its coaching ranks and maintain its competitive edge, the Duke basketball program has hired Evan Bradds as an assistant coach. Head coach Jon Scheyer announced the addition this week, framing it as a forward-looking decision designed to enhance player development and bridge the gap between college basketball and the NBA.

Bradds replaces Jai Lucas, who departed earlier in the offseason. Though not a household name among college basketball fans, Bradds arrives with a résumé that reflects a steady progression through the coaching ranks, including valuable stops in the NBA.

A Measured Hire with NBA Depth

Bradds played collegiately at Belmont, where he earned accolades for his on-court performance, but his coaching experience has largely taken shape at the professional level. Between 2018 and 2022, he worked with the Boston Celtics as a Video Analyst and Player Enhancement Coach. He then joined the Utah Jazz, spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach focused primarily on player development.

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That specific expertise in developing athletes for the next level is a central reason for Duke’s interest. In an era where elite programs serve as launchpads to the NBA, Bradds’ familiarity with professional expectations and training methods could offer tangible benefits for Duke’s roster, which is regularly stocked with high-level NBA prospects.

Aligning Philosophy with Culture

Bradds described his new role as both a privilege and a learning opportunity, noting the prestige of joining a program with Duke’s legacy. “I am honored to be joining the Duke Basketball program and want to express my immense gratitude to Coach Scheyer for this opportunity,” Bradds said in a statement. “I am looking forward to working alongside Coach Scheyer and the Duke team to help continue the long-standing tradition that is Duke Basketball.” Scheyer, who continues to define his tenure with an emphasis on both culture and innovation, spoke highly of Bradds’ blend of experience and approach. “Evan brings an unbelievable basketball mind, NBA player development experience and a unique ability to build meaningful relationships with players, something that’s core to our culture,” Scheyer said. “His experience, vision and forward-thinking approach will help keep Duke at the forefront of college basketball.”

A Quiet, Deliberate Shift

While the hire may not generate national headlines, it reflects a clear strategic direction. Bradds’ background in the NBA complements Scheyer’s aim to prepare Duke athletes for professional careers while competing for championships. His success will ultimately be measured not in press releases but in player growth and team performance in the seasons ahead.

For now, Duke has quietly added a piece that could prove essential in sustaining its long-term aspirations.