2014 Recruit: Armani Branch

Over the next couple of days I'll be analyzing our recruiting class for the 2014-15 season. First on the list is dynamic 6'7 small forward Armani Branch out of Carrollton, Virginia, near Hampton.

Branch comes to VMI from the Genesis Academy in Lynchburg. He committed to the Institute in late January. As a senior at Genesis (who went 17–12 and was 34th best in the state) last year, Armani played in 24 games and led the team with 14.4 point per game. He was also second in blocked shots with just under 2, second in steals with 2, third in rebounding with 7.1 boards per contest. Duggar commented on Armani and said that "Armani is a skilled wing who can attack the basket but also shoot the three." Not so sure about that last part. Although he shot over 58% from the floor, Armani made less than 13% from 3-point land (and we know how much that matters).

But at 6'7, his three-point shooting won't be a priority (although it'd be nice if he can get it up into the high-20's range after his Rat year). Another weak spot was his free-throw shooting, which was an insufficient 54%, near last on the team among those qualified. Free-throw shooting has cost us several games in the past two seasons, and Armani needs to get that fixed if he wants to contribute.

But let's focus on the positives. In the Bull City Classic Championship on November 30, Armani shot 6-of-8 from the floor, had three steals, and notched a double-double w/ 12 points and 12 boards in a win over Hillside HS. Against the top-ranked Quality Education Academy he netted 25 points and 8 rebounds, and on January 24 scored a 23/11 against Charis Prep. If there's any indication, he's excited to come here.

1st night and I love my school already #VMI
— Armani Branch (@OftenSleptOn) June 22, 2014

Got that work in 🏀🏀🏀🏀 pic.twitter.com/nWjbCc5R0W
— Armani Branch (@OftenSleptOn) June 22, 2014

Armani may (and I mean, may) figure into the starting lineup this year at forward/center with Covington gone, but more likely I'd expect Anglade to get that role with Watson and Branch rotating at forward. Eleby and Weethee will get some more playing time as well, especially if either grows an inch or two, so we'll be stacked at the forward position come November. I'd like to see from Armani somewhere around 7/4 average, and will be happily surprised if exceeds that.

(see Armani's full stats here)