Duke’s New Assistant Coach Evan Bradds Creates Buzz Among Fans Duke’s recent announcement of a new assistant basketball coach has ignited a wave of excitement among fans. The addition of Evan Bradds, who replaces Jai Lucas, has been met with a mix of enthusiasm and curiosity on social media, as supporters express their hopes for the upcoming season.
The Announcement
Fresh off their run to the men’s Final Four, the Duke Blue Devils are making significant changes heading into the next season. The team is not only losing a cornerstone player in freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, but they are also reloading with a strong recruiting class.
- Recruiting Class: Duke is welcoming a top-tier recruiting class, including:
- Five-star power forward Cameron Boozer
- Four-star point guard Cayden Boozer
- Four-star power forward Nikolas Khamenia
- Four-star transfer small forward Cedric Coward from Washington State
The New Coach: Evan Bradds
The most talked-about aspect of Duke’s announcement is the hiring of Evan Bradds as an assistant coach. At just 31 years old, Bradds has a notable background, having played at Belmont and spent several years as an NBA assistant coach.
- College Career: Bradds had a decorated college career at Belmont, earning:
- Two AP honorable mention All-American honors
- Two OVC Player of the Year awards
- Two All-OVC first-team selections
- NBA Experience: He has spent seven seasons as an NBA assistant, including:
- Five years with the Boston Celtics (2018-2022)
- Two years with the Utah Jazz (2022-2024)
Bradds expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to be joining the Duke Basketball program and want to express my immense gratitude to coach Jon Scheyer for this opportunity.”
Fan Reactions
The announcement has sparked a strong reaction from fans, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts. The general sentiment appears to be one of optimism and excitement about the direction of the program.
- Player Development Focus: Many fans appreciate the emphasis on player development, with comments highlighting Bradds’ experience in the NBA.
- Innovative Approach: Some fans noted that hiring an NBA assistant reflects a shift in college basketball, where player development and analytics are becoming increasingly important.
- “An interesting hire from Duke from the NBA,” commented ESPN college insider Pete Thamel.
- “Great hire, this is why Duke continues to bring in the best talent, it’s all about player development here,” stated another fan.
- “ELITE Hire. Jon Scheyer the mastermind,” exclaimed a supporter.
The Changing Landscape of College Basketball
Duke’s decision to hire Bradds is indicative of a broader trend in college basketball, where programs are increasingly looking to NBA talent for coaching positions. This shift reflects the growing importance of player development and advanced analytics in the sport.
- Strategic Advantage: By bringing in someone with NBA experience, Duke may gain a competitive edge in recruiting and player development.
- Adaptation to Trends: The hire signals Duke’s commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of college basketball, where traditional recruiting methods are being supplemented by a focus on player growth and analytics.
Looking Ahead
As Duke prepares for the upcoming season, the combination of a strong recruiting class and a fresh coaching perspective under Bradds has fans excited about the potential for success.
- Team Dynamics: The integration of new players and coaching staff will be crucial in establishing team chemistry.
- Performance Goals: With high expectations following their Final Four appearance, fans are eager to see how the team will perform in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
Duke’s surprise coaching announcement has undoubtedly sparked strong reactions among fans, with many expressing optimism about the future of the program. The addition of Evan Bradds, coupled with a talented recruiting class, positions the Blue Devils for a promising season ahead. As the landscape of college basketball continues to evolve, Duke’s strategic moves may set the tone for success in the years to come.
