Five-star basketball prospect Bruce Branch III committed to AJ Dybantsa’s BYU on Tuesday. He revealed his commitment decision on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” marking the Cougars as an excellent destination for elite recruits.
CBB World Reacts As BYU Continues Recruiting Surge with Bruce Branch III Committing After AJ Dybantsa
Branch committed to BYU following his official visit in January during a game against Arizona. His decision marks coach Kevin Young’s third straight class to feature a five-star recruit, as BYU has now landed Branch, Dybantsa, and Egor Demin in back-to-back years. Demin spent one season at BYU before being drafted by the Brooklyn Nets, while Dybantsa is projected to be the first or second overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Since taking over in 2024, Young has focused on constructing teams around versatile, enormous wings, and national basketball analyst Adam Finkelstein had nothing but praise for this trend.
“BYU is becoming a destination for one-and-done lottery picks,” Finkelstein said.
Branch said Young has laid out a “concrete plan” in place that makes sense to him and is “very clearly” defined.
“I will be held accountable and develop every day,” Branch told ESPN. “That’s the position I want to be in. I think my ability to create for others, shoot the 3 off the dribble, off pick-and-rolls, or in catch-and-shoot situations reminds Coach Young of players he has had in the past who have been successful. He speaks about Devin Booker, AJ, and Egor Denim. Paired with my defensive attributes, that’s what coach Young wants in a player.”
Branch averaged 15.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. He was previously the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2027 class before reclassifying in 2025. He chose BYU over USC while also having offers from Kentucky, Louisville, and Kansas, among others.
Branch brings length and offensive versatility to the wing position and already envisions leading BYU to great success.
“I can see myself leading this team to a championship,” Branch told Paul Biancardi. “It just felt right.”
Basketball analyst Jeff Goodman had this to say about Branch’s potential at BYU:
“Bruce Branch is extremely skilled and talented. High upside. However, I hope BYU fans don’t expect a repeat of AJ Dybantsa. I would think Branch will have a Nate Ament type of season. He may start off slow — but he’ll get better and better as the season goes along.”
Draft projections already have Branch as a potential top-10 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. He joins forward Dean Rueckert and center Will Openshaw as BYU’s third high school commit in the current cycle.
