Former Golden Hurricane Guard Brandon Rachal Prepares To Go Pro

As the NBA draft approaches, one former Golden Hurricane star hopes he’s one of the 60 chosen.

Brandon Rachal is aiming to become the first TU player drafted since Jordan Clarkson in 2014.  

"It’s a lot of hard work, this is the job I've always wanted," Rachal said.

Rachal has had one goal on his mind ever since he could pick up a basketball: become a professional athlete.

The former TU guard started 52 games for the Golden Hurricane, averaging 13 points a game. He could have returned for one more year, but understood with the chance to play professional basketball, it was time to move on.

"I'm confident in my game and confident in all my off-season work, with no school and improve my game I wanted to look better on myself and take this opportunity now,” Rachal said.

His former coach Frank Haith said Rachal has all the intangibles to be able to play at the next level, especially with his defensive skill set.

"Don't back off from your strengths, play to your strengths,” Haith said. “Don't show people what you can't do, what you are as a player is good enough, if you excel at that, what your skillset is and what Brandon is - an elite defender."

Rachal understands that nothing is guaranteed when playing professional sports but takes the ‘yes man’ mentality if given a shot.

"I’m a good candidate for a two-way player and my type of mindset and how confident I am with my skill set,” Rachal said. “To earn a roster spot and show the toughness I bring and show the mentality I bring and just show them I can be a big steal."

"We are all praying for Brandon to have much success, whether he plays in the NBA or overseas, I do know he is going to have a career in basketball,” Haith said.