Nate Brafford has come out of the gates strong for Rabun Gap (GA) this season. His team is out to a 10-3 start and Brafford is averaging well over 20 points per game. In fact, in four of his last five games he has gone for 35, 29, 28, and 26 points.

“I am a mobile forward. I can shoot it, get the ball off the board and initiate offense.”

Brafford’s Assistant Coach is Lee Scruggs, who averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds per game for Georgetown in 1999-00 back’s up Brafford’s words.

“He’s a player. His confidence is through the roof right now and there is so much he can do with the ball in his hands. His recruitment could take off, I’m excited to see where it goes.”

To this point, Brafford is carrying four offers, North Florida, Western Carolina, Florida Gulf Coast, and Stetson. Brafford went through his thoughts on each program.

In His Words

North Florida: “They were my first offer, that is important. Both of my parents played there so there is a familiarity. They shoot a lot of threes, that fits how I will play at the next level. Their coaches have a lot of confidence in me.”

Stetson; “I really like the coaches. They have a lot of connections as well with the NBA and scouts so when my college ends, I can look at that route.”

Western Carolina: “They contact me a lot, probably the most of any of these schools. They make me feel welcome. I fit in their system too, they have a guy like me now on their roster who is having success.”

Florida Gulf Coast: “I just got this offer, it’s new. Their assistant coach contacts me every couple of days. It seems to be a very welcoming place and it’s in Florida.”

Brafford’s Recruitment Continued

While he carries the four offers, he has a host of other schools keeping close tabs on his season.

“Virginia, Liberty, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, Belmont, Davidson and Furman all contact me or my coach, watch my games and video.”

This is Brafford’s first season at Rabun Gap School. He transferred in from Tuscola High School where he averaged 33.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game last season, shooting 53% from the field and 39% from three.

“The transfer has helped my physically, I have gotten a lot stronger. Also, academically, and mentally it has made me stronger. I have become more aggressive as my physical and mental are both growing.”

Rivals Reaction

Brafford is very skilled with the ball in his hands. He is able to score the ball all over the court as he showcased an array of post ups, mid post moves, jumpers and dribble pull ups. In the day of fluid, positionless basketball, Brafford thrives there. His thing will be strength, he is very thin. But he does have toughness and is very aggressive on both ends. We agree with Scruggs in that it will be very interesting to see how his recruitment plays out. With his already holding mid-level offers, there are pathways toward him getting high majors involved.