Jesse Branson

Herman Jesse Branson (January 7, 1942 – November 2, 2014) was an American basketball player.

Born in Graham, North Carolina, he played collegiately for Elon University. He was tall.

He became known as the hoops legend at Elon, setting numerous basketball records, and still holding them today.

His Basketball Jersey (number 40) was retired after his time at Elon, and was temporarily taken out of retirement for his son Brian Branson to wear during his senior year. The Jersey now hangs in the Elon Scharr Center, moved from its place in the alumni gym.

Jesse married his sweetheart Barbra Tillman in 1962 until his own death. During his senior year in 1965, and throughout his NBA career, he had his first child, Brian Branson born in 1965

He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round (18th pick overall) of the 1965 NBA draft.

He played for the 76ers (1965–66) in the NBA for 5 games and for the New Orleans Buccaneers (1967–68) in the ABA for 78 games.

Branson died on November 2, 2014, in Gibsonville, North Carolina, where he lived.

Career statistics

NBA/ABA Source

Regular season

Playoffs Year Team GP MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG PPG 1968 New Orleans (ABA) 17* 23.6 .394 .000 .816 6.0 1.2 11.4