Introducing rising 2023 prospect Braylen Blue
Braylen Blue’s high school career has been a nice learning experience for him so far.
Blue, the 6-foot-3 guard formerly of Sun Prairie (WI) high school, announced that he would be moving on and transferring to Madison Memorial this season. Blue was a member of Sun Prairie’s Junior Varsity roster but could see a huge role on varsity.
Thoughts from his trainer Travis Diener, who has been working with him from the jump:
"High level focus, work ethic and attitude. Elite catch and shoot shooter as well as off the dribble, high level ball-handling, ability to be a very good on and off ball defender."
He holds a selection of Division One offers and continues to bolster his work ethic and he has surrounded himself with some of the top basketball trainers in the state of Wisconsin. He recently worked out with Tyler Herro’s former trainer, Bryan Donaldson, who discussed working with Braylen Blue:
“I have had the privilege of working individually with Braylen for the past eight months. In the last eight months, I have seen growth in every aspect of his game. It’s easy to see right away that the game comes naturally to him. Working with Braylen comes with challenges, since he is so skilled, it’s very tough to come up with creative ways to make the training tougher for him.”
In addition, we got a quote from Josh Gasser, another trainer who has worked with Braylen Blue for an extended period of time:
“Having the privilege of working with Braylen this winter, I’ve seen first hand how skilled and determined he is to maximize his potential. He has all the tools of an elite combo guard - natural feel, shot-making ability, handle, love for the game, etc. I’m excited to see him continue to mature physically and keep taking steps forward each day.”
Now, we talked with Blue to discuss his recruitment which is growing by the day. Here’s Stockrisers.com’s conversation with Blue
Braylen, which programs have extended you a scholarship?
“Washington, Rice, Howard, Florida International, Tennessee Tech, Eastern Washington, Grambling, and Jackson State.”
Which programs have inquired or shown interest in you?
“Interest from Wisconsin, Marquette, Missouri, Gonzaga, Stanford, Cal, Utah, UNLV, Liberty, St. John’s, BYU, Colorado State, Butler, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Montana State, Dartmouth, Columbia, Murray State, Santa Clara, Montana, Drexel, and others.”
Thoughts on Marquette’s program, them being an in-state program.
“I feel like a grew up around the program, from my dad training Wesley Matthews to being around Jimmy Butler, Steve Novak, DJO, Jerel, Mo, and others, to my cousin, Vander, playing there, to training with Travis Diener and Joe Chapman. The staff is amazing, academics are strong, the culture is special and the Big East is so good.”
What about the other in-state program, Wisconsin?
“The hometown team, my house is literally 15 minutes from the Kohl Center. I grew up going to Coach Gard's camps and watching the Final Four teams. Incredible staff, tradition, academics, and player development. Big 10 is arguably the best conference in the country. My grandpa and cousin both played football there. One of my trainers is Wisconsin great, Josh Gasser.”
How about another interested program in Missouri and Cuonzo Martin?
“Coach Martin is a special coach, leader, and man. I'm so happy for the success the program is having this season. Their guards are so tough - Pinson, The Smiths, Buggs, etc. The SEC is always elite. Strong academics and culture.”
You also zoomed with an Ivy League program in Columbia recently, thoughts?
“Just had a zoom the other night with the whole staff, which went really well. It was humbling that they're making me such a priority. New York City, The Ivy League playing experience, education, and degree is very intriguing. A unique opportunity.”
Liberty has been on you extremely hard as well, discuss them.
“Has been recruiting me the longest of any program. We’ve built a great relationship with Coach Pierre and he’s made me feel like I could make a big impact on the program. The tremendous athletic program, unbelievable facilities, strong academically, and Christian-based.”
Describe your game.
“I have good size and length for a PG offensively and defensively (6’4 in shoes and hopefully still growing). I think the best things about me are my court vision/passing and my ability to shoot the basketball. I love to make my teammates better and think I have a good feel for the game and a high basketball IQ. I’ll do whatever my team needs me to do to win.”
How about this upcoming season for you, what is going to happen?
“Unfortunately it looks like my team (Madison Memorial HS) will not have a season because of the pandemic. My plan is to continue to train super hard to prepare for this spring/summer. I do on-court skill training with Marquette great/NBA player, Travis Diener, as well as Bryan Donaldson (who’s worked with the likes of Tyler Herro and Markus Howard).
My dad was also Wesley Matthews’ personal skill trainer for years so he helps me out a lot. I do strength/jump training 5 days a week with Jon Hinds. Zoom ball-handling 2 days a week with Chris Hyppa, Zoom peak performance work with Jeff Becker, as well as yoga with Betsy Delzer, speed/agility with Kevyn Feiner and mental skills training with Jenna Fuchs.”