Prep spotlight, Evan Bradds, Greeneview High School

Evan Bradds is about to close another chapter in the Bradds’ legacy in Jamestown in the pursuit of a third straight Ohio Heritage Conference championship for Greeneview High School’s boys basketball team.

Gary, his grandfather, went on to be an All-American at Ohio State in the 1960s, and his father, David, played at Dayton. Evan, who is 6-foot-7, will play at NCAA Division I Belmont in Nashville, Tenn.

Bradds recently sat down with the News-Sun.

Question: Reflect on your high school career.

Answer: I've definitely enjoyed it. We've had a lot of good teams, a lot of good players. It seems like we always have adversity one way or another, but I'm definitely going to miss it for sure.

Q: How have you handled your family legacy at Greeneview?

A: I've embraced it. A lot of people think there's a lot of pressure put on me by my family just trying to live up to the name, but it's never really affected me. It affected me more when I was a freshman, but I just see it as I'm my own person and I don't really have to live up to anyone.

Q: So what is your motivation?

A: I love the game. I go out there every time and have a smile on my face no matter what. I just love to win and I hate to lose, so I just go out there and play my hardest every game … play like it's my last.

Q: You changed your commitment from Ohio University after a coaching change. Why did you choose Belmont?

A: Basically the coaching staff. They've been there for a long time, and that was one of the things that drew me there — making sure the coaches would be there for my four years.

Q: Have they told you what position you will play?

A: I'm pretty sure it's probably going to be the three on the wing. Depending on the lineup I might be a four, but they run four out, one in a lot with a lot of ball screens so to be honest it really doesn't matter to me.

Q: Who has been your basketball inspiration?

A: My dad without a doubt. He's been there for me since day one. He's never really pressured me to play basketball. If I wanted to play, just do it 100 percent.

Q: What are your goals beyond your playing days?

A: I really want to be a college basketball coach. It's been a dream of mine for the longest time. I just want to stay around the game as long as possible, and that would be probably the greatest job I could get after my career is over.

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