Texas A&M transfer wants to come to Marquette?

[Pakuni]

According to tweets by Jeff Goodman:

"Texas A&M transfer Jamal Branch's father, Jerome, told me his son wants to play in Big East- and that Marquette is at/near top of his list."

"Now the question becomes whether Buzz Williams and Marquette want Branch."

[NoCheese]

What about this kid? What's close to Toronto?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7420764/missouri-tigers-say-kadeem-green-plans-transfer

[Pakuni]

Branch, fwiw, was ranked 52 in last year's RSCI and 51st by ESPN. He's a point guard with good size (6'3", 170) who reportedly had offers from the likes of Kansas, Texas and UCLA. Scout named him the best defender in the class of 2011.

Unless there's some off-court issues we don't know about, this would be a great get for MU.

[Slim]

What about this kid? What's close to Toronto?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7420764/missouri-tigers-say-kadeem-green-plans-transfer

Jr.'s from Toronto that might help.

[groove]

The kid has talent. Lot's of rumors going around down there. Some say the dad was not liking the kid's playing time. I guess he was recruited by Turgeon not Kennedy. Also rumors that Branch claimed the team was undisciplined and didnt like some of the off court activities of some players and Kennedy ignored Branch's concerns. Also dad wanted more christian type school. So there you have it. Who knows

[The Maestro]

Branch, fwiw, was ranked 52 in last year's RSCI and 51st by ESPN. He's a point guard with good size (6'3", 170) who reportedly had offers from the likes of Kansas, Texas and UCLA. Scout named him the best defender in the class of 2011.

Unless there's some off-court issues we don't know about, this would be a great get for MU.

Couldn't agree more, a quality PG who can defend is always welcome.

[Ari Gold]

Branch, fwiw, was ranked 52 in last year's RSCI and 51st by ESPN. He's a point guard with good size (6'3", 170) who reportedly had offers from the likes of Kansas, Texas and UCLA. Scout named him the best defender in the class of 2011.

Unless there's some off-court issues we don't know about, this would be a great get for MU.

He's a Chelsea Supporter http://www.aggieathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27300&ATCLID=205237424


his name is Jamal and he's from Texas. Players with J names from texas is all buzz recruits.  Cadougan would be a senior next year, he'd be a great addition as a point guard

[nyg]

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Jamal-Branch-70420

I like his resume.  I don't like his Dad's interference.  Sound's too familiar.

[Markusquette]

Well all those fans wishing for another point- this ought to please.  Certainly seems like he would be a nice get as well.  Buzz is really garnering a lot of new attention for recruits.

[LAZER]

I think you gotta take him.  Then Buzz will add Nunn too and we'll be ready to roll.

[The Maestro]

The comments I've read from Aggies fans seem to think he'll go to Maryland to be with Turgeon. It would be great if we could land him. Would he be considered a mid-year transfer and be eligible 2nd semester of next year?

[foreverwarriors]

Not that it has ever stopped anyone, but regardless of whether he's a mid year transfer or would redshirt a year we currently have no scholarships available for next year

[RJax55]

Would he be considered a mid-year transfer and be eligible 2nd semester of next year?

Yes, that is correct.

To do so, he would have to transfer into MU before 2nd semester classes begin. Which I believe start on Jan. 17th.

[brewcity77]

I may have mentioned this before, but I think a big should be the top priority. That said, Branch is a stud. I talked to some Aggie fans last year who seemed more concerned with Branch staying in the fold than who would replace Turgeon. Great prospect, my only question is if else need another 6'2"-6'4" combo guard.

[Slim]

So, first Branch goes to A&M - I'm unaware that he even considered MU. 2ND, Turgeon leaves A&M and rumors fly "Maybe Buzz Williams would leave Marquette for this Great opportunity". 3rd, Buzz extends deal with Marquette. 4Th, Kendrick Nunn commits to A&M. 5Th, Nunn decommits. 6Th Rumors and actions indicate Nunn is interested in MU. Now reports Branch is interested in MU.

The Aggies are probably pretty sick of hearing about Marquette and Buzz Williams!

[77ncaachamps]

Interesting article from way back.

ST. LOUIS - There were a number of talented 2011 prospects at the Nike Hoop Jamboree, and none were more impressive than combo guard Austin Rivers.

Guards

Austin Rivers- Looks to be the complete package as a combo guard. Rivers handles with savvy, scores multiple ways and has the length and athleticism to defend and rebound his position. The son of Celtics coach Doc Rivers simply has a whole lot of game and has the potential to be a dominant player as he gets physically stronger.

Nick Johnson- Maybe not quite the point guard that Rivers is, Johnson shares the same qualities as Rivers. A strong two foot jumper, Johnson is a serious scoring threat in the midrange area with his advanced repertoire of shots.

Derrick Wilson- Built like a running back, Wilson has a highly skilled game to go along with his explosive strength. A force around the rim as a scorer and rebounder, Wilson can also score the ball effectively from the outside and has the basketball IQ to run a team.

Jamal Branch- A smooth athlete with a dose of athleticism, Branch is oozing with upside. He scores the ball well off the dribble, shows instincts on the defensive side of the ball and will only get better as he gets stronger.

Cezar Guerrero- A tremendous ball handler, Guerrero is a natural scorer who makes the difficult shot look easy. At the same time his ability to make the tough shot can work against him as he has a tendency to force the issue as a scorer to the detriment of team play. Nonetheless, you can't ignore the talent that he possesses.

Wayne Blackshear- The long and lanky guard really looked good shooting the ball from outside. Going to the basket, he didn't always have the same success, however, because of a lack of strength. But if he tightens up his handle and improves his strength, Blackshear will have quite a complete game as a shooting guard.

http://cleveland.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1072&CID=818638


As I was looking for info on Branch, I noticed this article mentioned DWill.

I want THAT DWill to show up soon!!!

[PGsHeroes32]

can he shoot? if so i say take him i dont care what we gotta do.

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

Great prospect, my only question is if else need another 6'2"-6'4" combo guard.

His scouting report on ESPN mentions that he is a true PG twice.

"Branch is a true point guard with a good feel for the game"

"True point guard with excellent size"

[chapman]

Talented true point?  Save him a seat in ENGL2, THEO20, CMST21, and PHIL 50 this semester...or whatever the new course names might be. 

[TedBaxter]

What isn't being talked about is Texas A&M hiring John Reese, a local high school coach, as an assistant and signing his son J-Mychal to a LOI this November.  You guessed it, J-Mychal is a highly rated point guard.

When you end up playing as a freshman for a staff that didn't recruit you and this staffs first signing is a top rated local player who plays the same position as you, it's understandable when you may want to look for a different opportunity.

[77ncaachamps]

Now THAT makes sense why he wants to leave.

I probably would too.

[National Champs]

Get that man a plane ticket and a Marquette backpack.

[bilsu]

What about this kid? What's close to Toronto?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7420764/missouri-tigers-say-kadeem-green-plans-transfer

Syracuse is close to Toronto. It is my belief that mid-season transfers come from a bad thought process and therefore I will pass on any mid-season transfer.

[wadesworld]

can he shoot? if so i say take him i dont care what we gotta do.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Jamal-Branch-70420

Outstanding shooting, passing, rebounding.  Good handling.  Top 70, 6'3".  I'll take it.

[MUrugger]

I'd say we have to get this kid.  Then we'd have Jamil, Jamal, Jamail and Jamal all on the same team!!  Buzz would have to come up with code names.