"Long-Range Fire With a Fearless Attack and a Shooter’s Touch"

Braden Telman

IG: @braden.telman00

6'5, Class of 2031

Brentwood Academy, TN

Braden Telman is building his game with a dangerous combination of shooting, size, confidence, and an attacking mindset that makes him difficult to handle. He describes himself as a difficult long guard who can shoot the three at a high level and take the ball to the basket whenever the opening is there. That combination gives Braden the freedom to rain in three from deep or attack off the bounce, and he brings the confidence to trust either part of his game when the moment calls for it.

This summer gave Braden another chance to show what he can do while starting for Team Mookie Betts during a championship run. His team won the MSCS championship, earned a No. 1 national ranking, and picked up a major win over NP Force during a summer filled with success. Braden has also been ranked as high as No. 12 nationally by certain rankings, while his shooting has helped him earn recognition as one of the best shooters in the Class of 2031. Those accomplishments have only added more fuel to a young guard who already believes deeply in his ability and wants to prove it every time the ball finds his hands.

While his jumper already commands plenty of attention, Braden believes his biggest improvement has come with his ball-handling. Strengthening that part of his game gives him more freedom to create off the bounce, get himself into the lane, and punish defenders who close too hard on his shot. His defense is what Braden believes is the most underrated part of his game, showing there's much more to his impact than what happens when he starts heating up from deep.

His summer didn't come without adversity because an illness sidelined Braden for two weeks and forced him to miss two major tournaments. Missing those games was difficult, but the experience taught him how to bounce back instead of allowing a setback to define what came afterward. That lesson matters for a young athlete with major goals because basketball will always bring challenges, and Braden learned early that responding to them can be just as important as anything he does with the ball.

The offseason has become another important chapter in Braden’s development as he focuses heavily on getting stronger and preparing himself for high school basketball. Making varsity at Brentwood Academy is high on his list of goals, while helping his travel team repeat as national champions gives him another major target to chase. He understands those goals require more than talent, which is why his daily work has become such an important part of what he is building.

Braden describes his grind behind the scenes as working out every day with intentional skill development instead of simply going through drills without a purpose. Every workout gives him another chance to sharpen his handles, strengthen his shooting, and add more control to his offensive attack. A coach can expect him to be coachable while bringing a dog mentality every time he steps onto the court, and that competitive edge fits naturally with the confidence he carries in his game.

That confidence was on full display at the NYBA Development & Recruitment Camp, where Braden stood out in a talented field and never backed away from believing he could be the best player on the floor. He trusted his jumper, stayed aggressive, and carried the confidence to shoot the basketball without hesitation when he had his chance. For a shooter, that belief matters because every shot requires conviction, and Braden wants the ball in his hands when there's a chance to make something happen.

Everything ultimately comes back to Braden’s love for basketball because that is what fuels his fire through the workouts, championships, setbacks, and big goals. He loves the game enough to work daily, chase improvement, and keep adding more to what he can bring as a guard. The jumper may grab attention first, but his growing handles, defensive pride, attacking ability, and competitive fire are giving him more ways to leave his mark each time he steps onto the floor.

I assess that Braden brings a lethal outside shot that immediately forces defenders to respect him beyond the arc, but his offensive attack doesn't stop with his jumper. His improved dribbling allows him to beat defenders off the bounce and finish at the basket, while his size at guard gives him another valuable weapon as his game continues developing. There's a natural confidence in the way he plays, and he wants the basketball when there's a chance to change the flow of a game.

The most important direction for Braden now focuses on is adding strength while continuing to sharpen the defensive ability he believes deserves more recognition. His willingness to accept coaching and bring a fierce mentality gives him a strong foundation for the challenges waiting at Brentwood Academy. With varsity basketball, another national championship, and bigger personal goals in his sights, his daily commitment will be crucial as he continues turning a dangerous shooting gift into an even more complete arsenal.