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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Brad Branson, a power forward who spent two years in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers before playing more than a decade professionally in Europe, died Tuesday. He was 67.
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Branson played collegiately at Southern Methodist University before he was selected in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.
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Branson did not suit up for Detroit, but instead embarked on a professional career that would take several turns. His first season was spent in Italy with Sarila Rimini, and he then returned to the U.S. to play in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) with the Anchorage Northern Knights during the 1981-82 season, earning CBA Newcomer of the Year honors and standing out in the league.
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Branson resurfaced with the Cavaliers in 1982, playing 10 games and starting three at the end of the season. In October 1982, he was traded to the Pacers for a future draft pick and played 62 games in 1982-83.
In 72 total NBA games, Branson averaged roughly 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, contributing as a role player on limited minutes.
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After his time in the NBA, Branson returned to Europe to extend his professional career, first in Italy with Silverstone Brescia from 1983-86.
With Real Madrid of Spain’s Liga ACB, Branson was a star player on a team that won the Korac Cup in 1988. He averaged 22.3 points and 9.5 rebounds in 38 minutes in 1986-87.
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"Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Brad Branson, a player for our basketball team between 1986 and 1988," the team said in a statement written in Spanish. "In the two seasons he wore our jersey, Branson played one hundred games and won 1 Korac Cup, in 1988. Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to all his family, his teammates and all his loved ones."
Branson’s most enduring period came after a transfer to Pamesa Valencia in 1988. At the time, Valencia had just earned promotion to Spain’s top division, and Branson became a cornerstone of the club over six seasons.
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By the time he retired in 1994, Branson had played more seasons for the club than any American-born player. He returned to the U.S to coach at the high school level.
Branson — who became fluent in Spanish while playing there — also pursued business ventures in Valencia after his playing career, including restaurants and other enterprises.
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