Bruce Branch III, a five-star genuine freshman, has arrived in Provo, he said on Instagram. The top 10 prospect is just a few weeks removed from participating in the McDonald’s All-American Game. Now, Branch III will focus on preparing for his freshman season at BYU.
Before reclassifying to the class of 2026 and committing to Kevin Young and the BYU basketball program, Branch was the top prospect in the 2027 class. Branch is ranked sixth nationally in the 2026 class by 247Sports. Branch is the third five-star recruit to commit to BYU in as many recruiting cycles for Kevin Young.
Young has improved the skill on BYU’s roster across the board, with Branch being the most recent example. Branch has the opportunity to be the third straight lottery selection from BYU in the 2027 NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, BYU continues to assemble the team that will surround Branch next season. Branch will begin at one of the wing spots. BYU welcomes back point guard Robert Wright III, the only returning starter from last season. Then there is Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler, who was acquired to start immediately. Chandler has two years of eligibility left and will be one of the team’s most experienced players.
The five-spot, BYU’s starting center, has yet to be added to the squad. The Cougars are currently evaluating several centers from high school and foreign teams. They will also need a backup center. Adam Stewart, a TCU transfer, is the lone center on the squad, having joined the program as a walk-on.
One role that remains unclear is the fourth location. Clemson transfer Jake Wahlin may start there, having started numerous games for Clemson the previous year. Khadim Mboup may also start depending on the advancement of his offensive abilities. Then there is Syracuse transfer Tyler Betsey, who can play the four but is most likely best suited to the three.
If BYU is to have the depth it needs to compete in the Big 12, the Cougars will require both Dawson Baker and Nate Pickens to be healthy. Both Baker and Pickens sustained season-ending injuries, restricting their availability last season. Pickens will serve as BYU’s backup point guard if he is healthy. Baker is a combination guard capable of contributing scoring off the bench.
