Stanley Branch: Impressive 2004 Forward
Yesterday at Seton Hall University, Stanley Branch of the * Playaz AAU team displayed some skills that have to be of great interest to many top division one programs.
Branch handled the ball well in transition, beat his man several times with a crossover, and finished strongly in transition. Many are looking for more consistency in his offensive approach. It appears Branch is starting to gain some of that consistency.
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Branch is going to be recruited on a high division one level because of his skills and size. Branch has the ability to play the three slot because he has a sweet touch plus he is quick enough to defend that position.
Branch has been described as explosive 6-8, 210 pound forward from St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, N.J. He is one of the top juniors in the country. Branch transferred into St. Benedict's after spending two years at Atlantic City H.S., and was subsequently reclassified.
Syracuse, Seton Hall, Rutgers, St. John's, Connecticut, Villanova, Michigan, North Carolina, Florida and Kentucky are just a few schools Branch has mentioned to us in the past. But it's likely this list will change and be fluid for the next six months.
The Orangemen are likely to watch St. Benedict's workout over the next couple of weeks. We will keep you posted. There will be more on the 2004 targets this week on this site.
* The Playaz are now sponsored by Toronto Raptors' Vince Carter