In the midst of a thrilling tournament run, Duke's basketball program is navigating some significant changes. After clinching a hard-fought 74-70 victory over Virginia in the ACC Tournament final, the Blue Devils secured the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA Tournament. This achievement comes despite the team's challenges, including a shortened seven-man rotation due to injuries.
Point guard Caleb Foster is sidelined with a fractured right foot and won't be back until at least the Final Four, if at all. Meanwhile, center Patrick Ngongba II is dealing with a foot issue and is day-to-day, but he's not expected to suit up for Duke's opening game against Siena on Thursday. The coaching staff has their work cut out for them as they strategize to keep the team advancing until Ngongba can return to the court.
Adding to the complexity, assistant coach Evan Bradds has accepted a head coaching position at Belmont, marking his first foray into a head coaching role. Bradds, who played at Belmont from 2013 to 2017, expressed his excitement about returning to lead a program that means so much to him. "Becoming the next head coach at Belmont is truly surreal," Bradds shared, emphasizing his gratitude and readiness to lead the Bruins.
Belmont's athletic director, Scott Corley, is thrilled to welcome back a former player who has made a name for himself in the coaching world. Corley praised Bradds for his achievements and leadership qualities, highlighting his communication skills and competitive spirit.
While Bradds' departure is a significant loss for Duke, head coach Jon Scheyer's robust program is well-positioned to attract another top-tier assistant coach for the next season. The Blue Devils are poised to continue their strong tradition, even amidst these changes.