“From Player to Coach: Evan Bradds Joins Duke Basketball—Jon Scheyer Welcomes Him on Brotherhood Podcast”
Evan Bradds’ journey to joining the Duke Men’s Basketball coaching staff is a story of resilience, opportunity, and transformation—one that Jon Scheyer explored in detail on the latest episode of the Brotherhood Podcast. In this episode, Scheyer, the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, sat down with Bradds to discuss his unique path from being a standout collegiate player to becoming a promising young coach now joining one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. The conversation revealed not only the professional transitions that shaped Bradds but also the personal reflections and decisions that brought him to this new chapter at Duke. For fans and followers of the sport, it offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the heart of a coach who never planned on becoming one, and yet now finds himself helping guide some of the most talented young players in the game.
Bradds’ basketball story began in earnest during his time as a player at Belmont University. A small school with a strong basketball culture, Belmont was where Bradds made a name for himself as an efficient and dominant offensive player. Known for his high field-goal percentage and basketball IQ, he eventually became Belmont’s all-time leading scorer. Yet despite his collegiate success and the potential for a professional playing career, Bradds’ aspirations were put on hold—and ultimately ended—by an ACL injury sustained during a workout as he was preparing for the NBA Draft. For any athlete, especially one on the brink of a pro career, such a setback can be devastating. But for Bradds, it would become the unexpected doorway into something new.
During the podcast, Bradds candidly recalled that moment in his life when everything seemed uncertain. He was back in his hometown in Jamestown, Ohio, rehabbing from his knee injury and wondering what would come next. Then, seemingly out of the blue, he received a call from Brad Stevens, the head coach of the Boston Celtics at the time. Stevens offered him a position on the staff of the Celtics’ G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. Bradds admitted that he didn’t know much about the G League then, but the opportunity felt right. He accepted the position, stepping into a world of basketball that was completely different from being a player.
It didn’t take long for Bradds to fall in love with coaching. The daily involvement in practices, player development, game planning, and the strategic aspects of the game captured his imagination. He liked the challenge of helping others improve and figuring out ways to make a team better from the sidelines. As he immersed himself in the role, the idea of returning to play became less important. Coaching became not just a job but a new passion. Bradds described how those early days in Maine taught him a lot about the hard work, humility, and attention to detail required to coach at a high level. The G League, often overlooked in mainstream basketball conversations, became his training ground, shaping his philosophy and work ethic.
After his time in Maine, Bradds continued to rise through the coaching ranks. He later joined the Boston Celtics’ main staff, gaining experience working with some of the NBA’s top players and minds. The NBA environment exposed him to a level of basketball that was both exhilarating and demanding. Bradds credits his time in Boston for expanding his knowledge of the game, particularly in areas like analytics, player relationships, and the nuances of managing a professional locker room. The NBA, with its relentless pace and complex dynamics, was a different beast compared to college basketball, but Bradds thrived in it. Still, when the opportunity to join Duke’s coaching staff came along, he knew it was the right time for another shift.
Bradds’ connection to Duke was not just professional—it was also personal. He grew up watching the Blue Devils and admired the program’s consistency, legacy, and the culture built by Coach Mike Krzyzewski and continued by Jon Scheyer. To join Duke wasn’t just about career advancement; it was about being part of something bigger than himself. In the podcast, Scheyer asked Bradds what made Duke the right fit, and Bradds responded with a mix of humility and excitement. He talked about the chance to impact young athletes at a formative stage of their lives and careers, to work at an institution that values both academics and athletics, and to be part of a coaching staff that prioritizes development, character, and team success.
Throughout the interview, the rapport between Scheyer and Bradds was clear. The conversation was filled with mutual respect and genuine curiosity. Scheyer, himself a former Duke player turned head coach, seemed to recognize in Bradds a kindred spirit—someone who had walked an unconventional path and emerged stronger for it. They discussed not only the X’s and O’s of basketball but also the intangible qualities that make great coaches: empathy, adaptability, resilience, and the ability to connect with players. Bradds emphasized that his experiences as a player helped him relate to athletes, particularly when they face challenges or uncertainties. He understands the mental and emotional side of the game, which he believes is just as important as the physical and tactical components.
One particularly revealing moment in the podcast came when Bradds shared his thoughts on mentoring players who might be dealing with setbacks—whether it’s injuries, slumps, or off-court issues. He said that his own injury and career redirection gave him a perspective he wouldn’t trade for anything. While he never wanted to stop playing, he realized that being forced off the court allowed him to find his true calling. Now, when he talks to players going through tough times, he speaks not just as a coach but as someone who’s lived it. That empathy and authenticity, he believes, can make all the difference in helping young men grow both as players and as people.
Scheyer also asked Bradds about his coaching style—what he brings to practices, games, and film sessions. Bradds described himself as detail-oriented but collaborative. He enjoys diving into the small things that can tilt a game—spacing, timing, shot selection, defensive rotations—but he also values open dialogue with players and fellow coaches. He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and he believes that the best ideas often come from collective brainstorming. That humility and willingness to learn are part of what made him an attractive addition to the Duke staff. He isn’t coming in with a need to dominate the room but to contribute meaningfully and help the team win.
As the episode continued, the two also touched on the transition from the NBA to college basketball. Bradds acknowledged that while there are some differences—such as the length of the season, recruiting, and dealing with younger athletes—the core principles remain the same. Preparation, communication, effort, and trust are universal. He also noted that college coaching presents a unique opportunity to impact lives more holistically. At Duke, the coaches are not just preparing players for the next game—they’re preparing them for life. That mission, Bradds said, aligns perfectly with his own values and aspirations.
The podcast wrapped up with a few lighthearted moments and reflections, but the overarching tone was one of purpose and anticipation. Scheyer and Bradds spoke about the upcoming season with optimism, emphasizing the importance of unity, hard work, and continuous growth. They didn’t make any bold predictions or declarations, but their confidence in the program’s direction was unmistakable. For Bradds, the new role represents a chance to be part of something storied and special. For Scheyer, it’s another step in building a staff that shares his vision for the future of Duke Basketball.
In the end, the conversation between Jon Scheyer and Evan Bradds on the Brotherhood Podcast was more than just an introduction to a new assistant coach. It was a window into what makes Duke Basketball tick—the commitment to excellence, the emphasis on character, and the belief in building something greater than individual success. Bradds’ story, filled with unexpected turns and quiet determination, is one that fans can appreciate not only for its human element but for the promise it brings to the court. As the Blue Devils prepare for a new season, having someone like Bradds on the bench is more than just a smart hire—it’s a continuation of the legacy that defines Duke Basketball.
