Top-50 junior Chase Branham talks his busy recruitment, new interest
It has been quite the year for the Springfield News-Leader Player of the Year, Chase Branham.
The 6-4 guard out of Logan-Rogersville High School (Missouri) was able to reel in that honor after an electric sophomore campaign. He averaged 19.2 points, three boards, and shot a whopping 62% from the field. He was the top in his district and is primed for a huge junior season.
In addition, Branham was viewed as a fringe Top-80 prospect entering the summer, but saw success with KC Run GMC on the UAA circuit, where he was able to record multiple 20+ point outings and assert himself as a unanimous Top-50 prospect.
Branham was also able to capture a standout award at the annual ‘Curry Camp’ hosted by an NBA all-time great, Stephen Curry.
Now, schools are heavily invested in Branham, who is not just a shooter, but an elusive athlete capable of playing at an effective level in multiple facets of the game, and not just shooting.
He will officially visit Indiana this weekend and has heard from a plethora of new schools, including Duke, Louisville, Texas, Virginia, and Gonzaga, he told Stockrisers.com.
Branham sat down with Stockrisers.com to discuss his recruitment.
Which schools are heavily involved?
”Man, super blessed. I would say the main ones are Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Purdue, Tennessee, and Creighton are the ones that are most heavy on me right now.”
Have any new schools reached out?
”Yes, I’ve had some new ones being Duke, Louisville, Gonzaga, Texas, and Virginia.”
Indiana, what are your thoughts on them?
”I really like them. Definitely a good fit for sure. Just the place itself is amazing. But the main thing is the way they get up and down [the court] and let it fly. I see them as a great option.”
How about Creighton?
”Very cool as well. Another team that values shooting. They run good actions and make the right plays. Definitely a great fit for me, I really see them as a great option moving forward. Really looking forward to getting up there for an official during basketball season.”
Missouri and Coach Gates?
”I like Mizzou a lot. Coach Gates is a great coach. I mean, growing up in Missouri, it means a lot for them to show the interest they are showing. Super excited to get back to campus.”
Purdue?
”Purdue is another great option. The system they run really matches the type of style of play I feel like. Watching Fletcher [Loyer] and Braden [Smith] gives me an idea of how I’d be used in their system. Awesome environment and fans.”
How about Tennessee and Coach Barnes?
”Tennessee is a super cool school. Definitely different from the Big Ten schools. I haven’t talked to them a whole lot. Getting plans to get over there and hopefully learn more about the program and how they envision me there.”
What about the new interest from Duke, Texas, Gonzaga, UVA, and Louisville?
”Yes, minor so far. Very cool for them to reach out, and I’m looking forward to getting to know each of the programs.”
Visit plans?
”I am going to Indiana this weekend, and to Iowa on October 19th. Getting Tennessee planned for the fall, and Missouri, Creighton, and Purdue for the winter.”
How would you describe your game?
”I’m a versatile guard. Someone who has a good feel for the game, who can play on the ball and knock down shooter who can play off it. I would say I’m a lead-by-example type of guy who works hard as well.”
Purdue’s Matt Painter was in to see Chase Branham just moments before this interview. His recruitment is ramping up, and coaches continue to file in to see him.
