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Jeff Borzello
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Paul Biancardi
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Paul Biancardi
Basketball recruiting
- National Director of Recruiting for ESPN.com
- 18 years of coaching experience at the Division I level
- Former Horizon League Coach of the Year at Wright State
Bruce Branch III, the No. 2-ranked prospect in the 2027 class, announced Saturday that he plans to reclassify to the 2026 class.
Branch will graduate from Prolific Prep (Fla.) in the spring and will be able to play college basketball next fall.
“I believe in my abilities. I’m confident I can do it,” Branch told ESPN. “I’ve been playing all my life. I won’t let anyone surpass me. I remember when I was in first grade, I was playing against third graders. I was pushed down and I got back up.”
He hasn’t taken any official visits and hasn’t really dove into his recruitment yet, but the likes of Kentucky, Kansas, Louisville, USC, BYU, Arizona, Houston and Miami are all in pursuit. A spring decision is expected.
“I want to take it step by step,” Branch said. “I want to focus on our season and my team. I want to win everything at Chipotle [Nationals]”.
Branch turned 17 last month, meaning he will be eligible for the 2027 NBA Draft after he reclassifies. In a draft class that isn’t as deep or talented as the 2026 group, Branch is immediately in contention to be the No. 1 pick.
Likewise, he has a strong case to be the No. 1 prospect in the SC NEXT 100, a spot in the 2026 class that has been held for most of the last two years by Tyran Stokes.
“I want to expand my opportunities,” Branch said. “I know there are challenges with this decision. The mental aspect is as difficult as the physical aspect.”
Branch averaged 15.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game on the Adidas 3SSB circuit last spring and summer for the Compton Magic program, shooting 39 percent from 3-point range, according to Synergy.
Standing at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Branch possesses NBA-level athleticism with his speed and explosiveness. He is one of the best 3-point shooters in the class, especially on the move, while his mid-range shot has a high release point and his length allows him to shoot over defenders. Overall, his outside shot shows a fluid, repetitive motion with terrific shot mechanics and preparation.
“His work ethic will prepare him for this reclassification,” Prolific Prep coach Ryan Bernardi said. “He’s emotionally stable. He doesn’t get too high or too low.”
