BYU coach Kevin Young said when he was hired in 2024 that he wanted his program to become a place where players could prepare to play in the NBA.
Already, two players — Egor Demin and AJ Dybantsa — have become lottery picks after playing for Young, plus Richie Saunders was a second round pick last week.
By all accounts, BYU is primed to have another lottery pick in 2027 in incoming freshman wing Bruce Branch III. Though the 2026 draft was just last week, already numerous 2027 mock drafts have been published, and the wide belief is that Branch will be among the first players taken.
Here’s a look at what some of those mock drafts say about the Arizona native. The number in parenthesis is the pick in which Branch is slotted to be taken in the mock draft.
ESPN (4)
“Branch has all the tools to be an excellent NBA player, with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and an excellent frame with room to add muscle. He’s a capable shooter from range but is still developing as an all-around scorer. When fully engaged defensively, his size, length and lateral agility make him extremely difficult to score on.
“While Branch ticks a lot of boxes for a prototypical wing, scouts want to see him assert himself more, as he tends to float through games. It would be unfair to place AJ Dybantsa-level expectations on him at BYU, but if coach Kevin Young can get the most out of him, Branch should make a strong top-five case.”
CBS Sports (4)
“One of his greatest strengths in high school was 3-point shooting. He should be able to get plenty of clean looks from beyond the arc in BYU’s system this season.”
NBA Draft Room (4)
“A big-time talent who can score from inside and out. Has a silky-smooth jumper and a great release. The sky is the limit.”
No Ceilings (5)
No summary provided.
Bleacher Report (6)
“Bruce Branch III will step into AJ Dybantsa’s large shoes at BYU. He always pops quickly with a frame of an NBA wing, and the eye test approves of the way he’s able to attack, finish and separate into jumpers. The execution just isn’t always there yet.
“Branch’s physical tools, skill set and defensive ingredients all scream first-round prospect. How quickly he’s able to build confidence and consistency will determine how high he’s able to rise in the 2027 draft.”
NBA Draft.net (6)
No summary provided.
Tankathon (9)
No summary provided.
The Athletic (16)
“Branch will be one of a host of players replacing AJ Dybantsa this season at BYU, and the theory for him is to act as a stylistically similar big guard who can dribble, pass and shoot at 6 feet 7. He’s probably more developed as a shooter than Dybantsa was, but that’s where the comparison ends.
“Branch will need to work hard over the summer to fill out his frame to better absorb contact on his drives, as he can get loose with the ball as a wing who reclassified up into the 2026 recruiting class. He’s effective in the midrange, though, and shows some passing ability. Branch won’t turn 18 until right before his first game with the Cougars. The talent is there for him to be a one-and-done, but it’s also possible that he needs a two-year window.”
