Keiser Seahawks men鈥檚 basketball in the pros: Brandon Younger
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The city of Baku in Azerbaijan hosts a mix of history and modern architecture and is now a former Keiser Seahawk in Brandon Younger. A young man who grew up in Marietta, Georgia, Younger played for Wheeler High School, helping his team advance to the Georgia 7A Elite Eight. His play led him to an opportunity with the Division I Charlotte 49ers. There, Younger appeared in 25 games in his freshman season, recording double-digit scoring efforts in six of his 25 appearances. On January 10, he came down to Miami and scored a season-high 16 points and seven rebounds in a game against FIU. After a quiet second season, Younger went into the transfer portal and landed at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina.
Younger would make 52 appearances for the Blue Hose and start in 37 of those contests. He notched his career-high 18 points on February 11, 2021, leading his team to a win over Hampton. With one year left on his eligibility, Younger decided to take the NAIA route and join the already talented Keiser Seahawks. At KU, he started in all 28 appearances that he made and registered a new career high on January 19, 2023, with 22 points in a 79-67 win over Coastal Georgia. Younger averaged 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game and ended the year second on the team in assists. Entering the offseason, he looked for a spot that would best fit him and his skills, spending much of his time with an agent to help decide on his future.
“After talking with my agent, we felt it was the best place to be in terms of elevating myself in my career and becoming an even better player year by year,” said Younger.
When Younger landed the contract with NTD BH Baku, he briefly reflected on his life: “The first thing I thought about was the passing of one of my best friends and how happy he’d be for me. I felt truly blessed to be in the position that I was in.”
Younger’s overseas journey was just getting started as he had a long flight ahead of him, traveling halfway across the world.
“I’ve been to Cancun, Mexico, but in terms of long-distance traveling, this was my first time doing it and going this far from home. However, I really enjoyed the food on the plane and being able to have plenty of legroom on my 15-hour flight.”
The 6-foot-7 playmaker had a new home in a new country with an eight-hour time difference to Marietta, Georgia.
We asked him what his first experiences in the process were like and he had this to say: “Coming into the program, I didn’t know much, but after talking with some guys who played on the team previously, it was nothing but great things that they told me. I was able to talk to my point guard beforehand, who happened to also be American, which was extremely helpful with the process.”
Even 15 hours from home, Younger made sure to take all that he had learned in the US and keep in contact with friends and family.
“Some values I pride myself on are keeping a high character and being coachable in all aspects. I came overseas with the same approach I had when I stepped onto campus at Keiser, which was remaining humble and knowing everyone wasn’t given this opportunity. I probably talk to Lotto the most because we’re closer in the same time zone, but we (Younger, Justin Tucker, and Core’von Lott) are all keeping each other motivated throughout our rookie seasons.”
Thinking back to Keiser, Younger was sure to thank those who helped him along the way.
“I definitely want to thank the whole coaching staff for believing in me. Especially Coach Chief, coach (Max) Spinner, and coach Dre( Andre Johnson). Without them, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. I’m blessed to have them in my life, and that they gave me that last year of eligibility to put my talents on full display. By far my favorite coaches to play for and will forever be family to me and mine.”
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