BYU added a huge piece to next season’s roster as 5-Star 2026 wing Bruce Branch announced his commitment to BYU on ESPN’s NBA Today show.
Branch was the #1 player in the 2027 class until he reclassified to the 2026 class a few months ago. The 6-foot-7 wing is now the #6 player in the 2026 class, according to 247 Sports. Branch currently plays at Prolific Prep in Florida, but played at Perry HS in Gilbert, Arizona before and is from Arizona.
One scout with whom I talked with compared him to New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges.
“His comp is Mikal Bridges with his shot making, length and defensive abilities. He’s not AJ but he’s really good.”
BYU has made Branch a priority for several months now. BYU coaches have travelled several times to see Branch in person, and BYU hosted Branch for his official visit on January 26. Sources have told me Kevin Young’s use of AJ Dybantsa and development of Egor Demin and Richie Saunders both really resonated with Branch throughout the recruiting process. Branch is a knockdown shooter and a very talented scoring wing who should be a lottery pick in the 2027 NBA Draft if he declares early. He will need to get stronger and add more refinement to his game, but he is a high-end shooter and with defensive upside who will be a top scoring option on next year’s team with Rob Wright.
Branch isn’t AJ Dybantsa, but no one in the 2027 class is and that shouldn’t be used as a comparison or Branch (or really any prospect). He will compete for Big 12 Freshman of the Year next season and be one of the top freshmen in college basketball. BYU needs to replace AJ, Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, and other players that inevitably transfer. Branch will be a key piece BYU features as they build out the roster.
The commitment also illustrates Kevin Young’s recruiting ability and BYU boosters’ financial commitment. This is the third straight year Kevin Young has landed a 5-star recruit, following Egor Demin and AJ Dybantsa.
You can watch highlights of Bruce below.