Duke Basketball Coach Connection: Evan Bradds in the Running for Belmont Job
The college basketball coaching landscape is constantly shifting, and the latest development has a direct link to Duke University. Following Casey Alexander’s departure from Belmont to Kansas State, replacing Jerome Tang, the search for a new Bruins head coach is underway. And one name is generating significant buzz: Duke assistant coach Evan Bradds.
Alexander’s Move and the Ripple Effect
Alexander’s move to Kansas State came after a highly successful tenure at Belmont, where he amassed a 166-60 record, consistently leading the Bruins to 20+ win seasons and multiple postseason appearances, including NCAA and NIT berths. His success followed a strong run at Lipscomb, solidifying his reputation as a top mid-major coach. ESPN anticipates that Belmont players Sam Orme (12.7 ppg) and Drew Scharnowski (10.7 ppg) may follow Alexander to K-State.
Bradds: A Familiar Face for Belmont
As Belmont begins its search, Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney has identified two potential candidates: Alabama-Huntsville HC Mick Hedgepeth and, notably, Duke assistant Evan Bradds. Both candidates share a common thread – they both played for legendary Belmont coach Rick Byrd.
Bradds, currently in his first season under Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, boasts a deep connection to Belmont. The 31-year-old was a standout forward for the Bruins, earning accolades including two-time AP All-American honorable mention, two-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year, and multiple All-OVC selections. His impressive collegiate career laid the foundation for a swift transition into coaching.
From Undrafted to NBA and Back to College
Despite going undrafted, Bradds quickly found his footing in the professional basketball world. He secured an assistant coaching position with the Boston Celtics in 2018, followed by a similar role with the Utah Jazz in 2022. After four years in the NBA, Bradds returned to the college ranks, joining Scheyer’s staff at Duke. This journey demonstrates his adaptability and growing expertise in the sport.
Why Bradds Makes Sense for Belmont
Bradds’s familiarity with Belmont’s program, coupled with his experience at the highest levels of basketball – both in the NBA and with a prestigious program like Duke – makes him a compelling candidate. He understands the culture and expectations of Belmont basketball, and his recent experience with Scheyer provides valuable insights into modern coaching strategies. The potential for Bradds to bring a winning mentality and a strong recruiting network back to his alma mater is significant.
The coaching carousel continues to spin, and Belmont’s search for a new leader promises to be one of the most closely watched in college basketball. The connection to a Duke basketball coach like Evan Bradds adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Source: Sports Illustrated
