2023 7-footer Braden Pierce updates his recruitment

Braden Pierce is one of the best available bigs in the 2023 class. The 7-footer, who has only been playing basketball for a couple of years, averaged 7.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks with the Atlanta XPress program during the UAA Next Circuit Championships.

“I’m good down in the post,” Pierce told On3. “I defend the rim well, and my perimeter shot is developing; I feel I can knock it down pretty consistently in game now. I like watching Nikola Jokic; he is a really good passer, he’s able to shoot it, and has footwork and hands in the post. He is a really versatile post player.”

The center is taking a post-graduate year at Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy, where his recruitment has picked up. On3 caught up with Braden Pierce after a recent live viewing to talk about his recruitment.

“I haven’t taken any official visits yet,” Pierce said. “I have offers from Seton Hall; that’s about it right now. I’m talking with Missouri a good bit; we had a Zoom the other day.

Pierce talks recruiting

Seton Hall: “They like my skill set, like how I play around the rim and fit what they do. They’re looking for a big who can come in and make an impact and compete right away.”

Missouri: “Coach (Dennis) Gates told me they are trying to have the biggest team in the country. It’s a lot about family up there, which I like. He is trying to develop a good relationship with my parents too. I like how they’re recruiting me.”

“I talk to Cincinnati a good bit,” Pierce said. “Pitt and Coach (Mike) Woodson from Indiana have been in to see me over the last couple of weeks.”

In Braden’s words

“I grew up playing baseball,” Pierce said. “My dad played baseball and had a few offers but didn’t pursue that. I didn’t switch to basketball until my sophomore year. So, I’m still developing and will be looking for a place where I can really develop.

“I want to go somewhere that feels like home. Location isn’t really that big of a deal, you know, once it gets to like four or five hours away, my parents are going to have to fly anyways. I want to go somewhere that the post gets touches, but really it doesn’t matter to me because I can go get the ball too. It’s really going to come down to what feels like home.”