Belmont hires Duke assistant Evan Bradds as head coach

Belmont has hired Duke assistant Evan Bradds to be the program’s next head coach, the school announced Thursday.

He will stay with Duke through the remainder of the NCAA tournament. The overall No. 1 seed in the field, the Blue Devils open the tournament against Siena on Thursday.

Bradds is a former Belmont star who was a two-time Ohio Valley Player of the Year during his time with the Bruins, and he finished his college playing career as the program’s all-time leading scorer in Division I.

“Becoming the next head coach at Belmont — a university and program that has played such a huge role in my life — is truly surreal,” Bradds said in a statement. “Belmont is a special place, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to return and lead our men’s basketball program.”

He will replace Casey Alexander, who was hired earlier this month at Kansas State.

“Few student-athletes in the history of our University achieved more, and led more, than Evan,” athletic director Scott Corley said in a statement. “In trading his playing jersey for a clipboard, Evan has established himself as a rising star in the coaching community; universally regarded as one of the brightest minds in the game today. His clear communication style and undeniable care for his players is well-documented. But above all else, Evan is a fierce competitor with an unwavering desire to win championships.”

After graduating in 2017, Bradds moved into coaching as an assistant with the Maine Red Claws, the Boston Celtics‘ G League affiliate. He was promoted to the Celtics staff in 2018 under Brad Stevens and stayed there under Ime Udoka until Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy hired him in 2022.

Duke hired Bradds from the NBA in May, citing his reputation and background in player development.

“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,” coach Jon Scheyer said at the time of his hire. “His experience, vision and forward-thinking approach will help keep Duke at the forefront of college basketball.”