Bruce Branch III had a big stage Tuesday for announcing his commitment to the BYU Cougars men’s basketball program.
Branch, a consensus top-10 prospect nationally in the Class of 2026 even though he reclassified from the Class of 2027, appeared on ESPN’s “NBA Today” show hosted by Malika Andrews Tuesday to announce his choice.
Branch’s interview with Andrews was about six minutes in length, with Branch becoming emotional during a good portion of it.
“First I would like to thank God,” Branch said. “Without God’s love, His insight, I wouldn’t be here.”
Branch went on to thank a number of people, including his representatives at Klutch Sports Group (the agency that represents LeBron James, among many other high-profile athletes).
Branch began to get emotional when he thanked his little brother and mother.
“That being said, next year I’ll be playing college basketball at BYU,” Branch said as he unzipped his jacket to reveal that he was wearing a No. 3 BYU blue jersey. “Go Cougs.”
Asked by Andrews what kind of person and player BYU is getting in him, Branch said, “One thing my mom always taught me is ‘Respect others.’ That’s the most important thing, and that’s what I’ve done all my life.”
Branch added that," I love (BYU head coach) Kevin Young and all of them, so I’m real happy and I’m excited for this decision."
The 6-foot-7, 195-pound Branch said, “I want to be Bruce Branch III,” but he said he loves watching former NBA star Penny Hardaway as well as current stars Devin Booker, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Durant.
In an Instagram post announcing his decision, Branch wrote, “Ten toes down, Thanks to GOD and his wisdom!Go Cougs!” and added #committed and #byu.