(Photo credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images)

Belmont is hiring Duke assistant Evan Bradds as head coach, but a formal introduction will wait until the Blue Devils complete their run in the NCAA Tournament.

Bradds, 31, is Belmont's all-time leading scorer and will replace Casey Alexander. Kansas State hired Alexander as head coach this week.

'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. 'Belmont is a special place, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to return and lead our men's basketball program. I would like to thank Dr. Greg Jones and Scott Corley for the confidence and trust they have shown me. I would also like to thank Coach (Rick) Byrd and my former teammates for playing a big part in making this dream a reality. It means the world to me and my family, and we can't wait to get started. Go Bruins!'

It is the third consecutive year that Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has had at least one assistant coach hired away from the Blue Devils' bench.

Following the 2024 departure of assistant coach Amile Jefferson to the Boston Celtics, Jai Lucas left last year to take over the Miami Hurricanes program.

Bradds is returning to Belmont, where he played from 2013-17 and was a two-time Ohio Valley Player of the Year while amassing 1,921 career points. He joined Duke last year from the Utah Jazz after beginning his coaching career with the Boston Celtics from 2017-2022.

Bradds is expected to remain with the Blue Devils through their NCAA Tournament run, with the transfer portal officially opening the day after the national championship game. The Athletic reported that fellow Duke assistant Emanuel Dildy is in consideration for the Charlotte 49ers' head coaching vacancy.

Belmont (26-6) opted against participating in the NIT the day after Alexander agreed to a five-year contract with Kansas State. Alexander, 53, coached his alma mater for the past seven seasons.

He led Belmont to a 26-6 record this season en route to capturing the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference championship in the regular season. The Bruins fell to Drake in the conference tournament.

--Field Level Media