During the spring, it is always expected that there will be juniors and seniors that take full advantage of their exposure to college coaches, but today many more younger prospects are emerging early in the recruiting process than ever before. Perry High School's talented and promising 6-foot-6 freshman Bruce Branch has seen his college recruitment take off and go to another level, all at the same time. In one spring season, and since the end to the high school season, Branch has received (6) big offers to his credit, and is now on another level.
Branch, as a mere freshman, was part of an Open Division State Championship team at Perry High School - setting him up for an amazing high school future and career. Branch will also have an excellent opportunity to win another Open Division State Title next season as a sophomore. In the meantime, Branch has emerged during the spring club season as one of the elite 2027 prospects in the West. While playing for the Compton Magic (CA) heavily Adidas-sponsored club program this spring, Branch has received numerous Division-I offers already from some very big college programs. While still only a freshman and becoming a rising sophomore, Branch has a long way to go in the recruiting process for himself, but many programs have jumped in on the talented young prospect super early.
Branch just received a huge offer from the University of Texas over the weekend, his biggest offer to date and a very nice one. The Texas offer will certainly promote other high majors to get in line for Branch, over time. Branch also has a nice list of other offers as well from West Virginia, Xavier, Nevada, Fresno State and Tarleton State. Branch earned each of these offers this spring, since the end to the high school season - a very impressive fact.
Branch's recent outburst of offers will certainly place him near the top of our Individual Player Rankings for the 2027 Class in the state, and it also makes Branch a nice candidate for a top national ranking for the class over time by the top scouting outlets in the country.
Branch will also now certainly have a much bigger role next season on a veteran-led Perry team that will certainly be the favorite again to win another Open Division State Championship. Perry has already 3-peated and will look to win a fourth consecutive state title next season, behind the dominant play of the state's top overall prospect, 6-foot-8 rising senior Koa Peat and also 6-foot-5 rising senior (2025) D'Andre Harrison, who is coming off a breakout season for himself. Branch will now be expected to round out this trio of top-rated Arizona prospects that will lead Perry next season.
Branch is a nice looking young prospect with a long, rangy physical frame that is still growing a great deal. He could get to be 6-8 or 6-9 in height over time, so look out. He has a nice skill level already that allows him to score at all (3) levels - with range on his shot, a good mid-range game and an ability to finish at the rim. All attributes that Branch will certainly continue to develop and improve in over the next several years of high school basketball. This suggests the reason for why Branch has become so highly sought after as a mere 2027 prospect. Branch's lengthy body allows him to rebound very well with very good lift and bounce off the floor. He has very good athleticism also and competes hard, which allows him to maximize his talents. Branch is a very versatile prospect as well, and can play multiple positions on the floor, as a result of his skill level and versatility - his best attribute as a player.
Branch will certainly be a major target now for college programs at the up-and-coming Section 7 event in Phoenix, later this month.
