Top prospect Bruce Branch III reclassifies to the class of 2026 live on NBA TV and the NBA App from MADE Hoops Miami Tip-Off.
MIAMI – Bruce Branch III, the No.1 player in the junior high school class, announced Saturday that he has reclassified up to the senior class, becoming eligible for the 2027 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-7 guard is one of the best players in high school basketball, regardless of class, and will now be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick along with the current No. 1-ranked senior, Tyran Stokes. Stokes is a 6-7, 230-pound wing out of Rainer Beach High School (Washington).
“I chose to reclassify because of the growth I’ve made as a player and I’m not really chasing shortcuts,” Branch told NBA.com. “This gives me the space to develop the right way physically, mentally and especially as a leader.”
Branch had a busy summer where he attended the adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, was named to the All-Camp Team and took home the Rising Star award. He made a strong first impression on some international scouts who were seeing him play for the first time against players one to two years older than him.
“I was watching him play and he really caught my eye. Then I saw that he was one year younger than everyone there and I thought there’s no way there’s three kids better in the class than him,” one longtime European scout told NBA.com. “He was so good. He reminded me of a young Paul George. He’s long, has size and can do it all on both sides of the ball. That’s what every team wants.”
He played up a division on the adidas 3SSB circuit and averaged 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks for Compton Magic (California). At the end of the summer, Branch transferred to powerhouse Prolific Prep (Florida) for his final high school season. Past NBA alumni include Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns), Gary Trent Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks), Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans) and Adem Bona (Philadelphia 76ers). Projected top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft (AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson) also played at Prolific Prep during their high school careers.
“I think we’re a program that’s built for top players,” head coach Ryan Bernardi told NBA.com. “We’re a program that’s committed to our top players’ development and giving them every resource needed to improve. We want to prepare these players for college and beyond and you do that by going and playing in the biggest games. You do that by giving them the most access to gym time and coaches and strength and conditioning.”
Bernardi sees the same characteristics and habits from Branch as he did while coaching players who have had lucrative careers in the NBA. “Bruce has a drive and work ethic that puts him at the top of any list,” Bernardi said. “He’s extremely committed to his craft and that commitment has allowed him to take huge strides. Every time you look up, Bruce has gotten better.”
Branch also spent time over the summer working out with LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey. By the end of the week-long workouts, he held his own. He felt the physicality immediately and just took every rep in stride, not getting frustrated but soaking everything up like a sponge and learning. By day 4 of workouts, Branch was getting much more comfortable and confident and started doing things on the court that even surprised Maxey and everyone else in the gym.
Branch III spent time working out with Tyrese Maxey over the summer. (Courtesy of Klutch Sports)
“I remember the first time I scored on Tyrese [Maxey], it just gave me a confidence boost and I was like, ‘I could do this,’” said Branch. “Training with those guys, they showed me how poised they are, how hard they work and their habits and it’s day-in-day-out. I can’t wait to get back in the gym with them. Tyrese Maxey, that dude is strong! He’s bumping me and I’m like, ‘ok, I feel the pro game now.’”
The upcoming 2026 NBA Draft is considered one of the most talented one-and-done groups in the last 10 years with Dybantsa, Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson and Mikel Brown Jr. all projected at the top. There is a drop off in depth in the 2027 NBA Draft, but with Branch reclassifying, it gives general managers and front office executives another option at No. 1 and raises the talent level at the top. Branch’s offensive instincts and defensive versatility, combined with his size, are what stand out immediately.
“Offensively with his size and as a scorer, nobody shoots it like he does and then defensively he can guard every position,” one NBA scout said of Branch. “He’s a different look than the few others projected at the top and he’ll have a chance to be there at No. 1. We’ll of course see how he develops this year and next year at college, but he’ll definitely be in the conversation.”
Branch is still uncommitted to a college program but has offers from Kansas, Duke, Louisville, Houston, Kentucky, BYU, USC, Arizona and many others. Reclassifying up a grade has sped up his recruitment process and he will start taking official visits in January. Branch plans on taking his time to find the best fit for him and a coach that will put him in a position to be in contention for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.
“The most important thing for me in a college program and coach is honesty and standards,” Branch said. “Someone who pushes me and challenges me because my end goal is to be a pro and that’s what I’m working towards.”
