Duke has almost everything they had last year. An elite NBA prospect like Cooper Flagg in Cameron Boozer, a seemingly unbreakable defense, and the expectations to go all the way to the national championship. However, the horrors of that final 4 against Houston would still be fresh for Jon Scheyer. Regardless, they will hope that it is different this time around. As they embark upon their journey with a first-round game against Siena, the program has received a major setback.

According to Jeff Borzello of ESPN, “Belmont is finalizing a deal with Duke assistant Evan Bradds to be the program’s next head coach. ” Bradds has been essential in developing the Blue Devils’ key freshmen, such as Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Nik Khamenia, and Dame Sarr. His background in the NBA with the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz provided players with an attractive option to develop and improve.

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

After the 2024-25 season, Duke lost associate head coach Jai Lucas, as he took over as the head coach at Miami. Lucas was an elite recruiter and talent developer. Bradds helped Jon Scheyer fill his void over this season, with Duke sealing the No. 1 overall 2025 recruiting class.

However, who can say no to their almamater. The 31-year-old is a Belmont legend. He played for the Bruins from 2013 to 2017 and was named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year as both a junior and senior while earning third-team Academic All-American honors in 2016. Bradds remains Belmont’s all-time leading scorer in the NCAA Division I era with 1,937 points in his collegiate career after averaging 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in his four years.

He could have even gone pro in the NBA or the G-League. But unfortunately, Bradds blew out his achilles “15 minutes into a draft workout with the Pacers,” And his career was over then and there. Then coaching in the G-League’s Maine Red Claws came calling and thus he fell in love with the role behind the scenes.

Now, he will take over his first full time headcoaching job. Yet, he is expected to support Duke and Scheyer through this NCAA Tournament. It will still affect the team mentally, as consistency plays a key part. Since Bradds is leaving, it will leave a bitter taste in their mouths. Nevertheless, it’s not the only loss the team is dealing with, as injuries strike at the worst time for the Blue Devils.

Jon Scheyer Announces Injury Update For Patrick Ngongba

Patrick Ngongba has been out since March 2nd with lingering foot soreness. He was even seen on a knee rover with a boot on his right foot. In the meantime, Duke have managed to not lose steam. They won the conference game against North Carolina and the ACC Tournament thereafter. But they still need their center and third-best scorer back as soon as possible. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, he is very doubtful for their first-round game against Siena.

“Yeah, I mean, look, he’s been progressing,” Scheyer said. “As we’ve gotten closer to tomorrow, I think it’s very unlikely, you know, that he plays tomorrow. We’re going to keep taking it day by day and, again, he’s itching to play. But we’re not quite there for tomorrow just yet.”

They also have Caleb Foster out with a fractured right foot suffered against North Carolina on March 7. He subsequently underwent surgery. Foster could be out for the season. But, some reports suggest he could be back for the final four if Duke makes it. Kyle Tucker posted a photo of Foster in a walking boot, further showing that he is far from game ready.

Jon Scheyer is handicapped with two important players out and an assistant coach leaving soon. But that won’t stop Duke from still pulling all the stops. They still have one of the most talented players in Cameron Boozer and a defense that can stifle anyone.