No. 2 recruit Bruce Branch III to reclassify to 2026

No. 2 recruit Bruce Branch III to reclassify to 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The No. 2 college basketball prospect in the 2027 recruiting class announced Saturday that he will reclassify to 2026. Bruce Branch III is accelerating his path to the NBA.

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The original 2027 recruit, who will graduate from Prolific Prep (Florida) this spring, will be eligible to play in college next fall.

“I believe in my ability. I am confident that I can do this,” Branch told ESPN. “I have been playing up my whole life. I am not going to let anyone outwork me.”

The 6-foot-7 wing has yet to take an official visit, but Kentucky, Kansas, BYU, Arizona, Houston and others have been among the schools pursuing him.

Branch turned 17 last month and will now be eligible for the 2027 NBA draft. His reclassification places him in a weaker draft pool than 2026, giving him a legitimate shot at being the No. 1 pick. He is also expected to challenge for the top spot in the SC Next 100 rankings, long held by Tyran Stokes.

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Branch averaged 15.9 points and 5.2 rebounds on the Adidas 3SSB circuit with Compton Magic, shooting 39% from 3-point range. His size, elite athleticism and polished perimeter shooting have drawn NBA attention.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/no-2-recruit-bruce-branch-030952868.html

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Publish date : 2025-11-24 03:09:00

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