By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Brad Branson has passed away at the age of 67.
His death was announced by former teammates and friends on Tuesday.
Born in Illinois, he spent large stretches of his career in Europe and became fluent in Spanish en route to getting citizenship. He is widely considered among the best centers to ever play in the ACB, the top-tier division of the country.
With Real Madrid from 1986 to 1988, his efforts included the only Korac Cup title in team history in 1998. At Pamesa Valencia between 1988 and 1994, he became a club legend and still ranks among the players with the most appearances in team history. He had also played in Italy, with Sarila Rimini to start his professional career in the 1980-81 season, and returned from 1983 to 1986 with Silverstone Brescia.
In the 1980 NBA draft, Branson was selected with the 45th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons, and went on to record 72 appearances in the league with the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers between 1982 and 1983, after previously starting his 1981-82 journey in the Continental Basketball Association with the Anchorage Northern Knights. Breaking out in the defunct league, he was named CBA Newcomer of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the All-Star Game. His previous college career featured Edison State and SMU.
Post-playing days went from a broadcasting career to returning to Fort Myers, Florida, where he grew up, to retain a strong link with basketball through coaching.
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