Branden Carlson: stats, last game & news

When Branden Carlson chose to put his budding career on hold to serve a two-year mission in Manchester, England, few imagined he would return even hungrier for success. The 7-foot center transformed that spiritual pause into a springboard toward the heights of professional basketball.

A native of South Jordan, Utah, Carlson grew up in a family where basketball ran in the blood. His father had played at Chico State, and his brother carries on the family tradition at Salt Lake Community College. After starring at Bingham High School, the young big man turned down prestigious offers from UCLA and Stanford to stay true to his roots by choosing the University of Utah.

His mission in England for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints forged his maturity and determination. Upon his return, Carlson established himself as a versatile big man capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch the defense while protecting the rim makes him a highly sought-after profile in modern basketball.

The summer of 2020 marked an important personal milestone with his marriage to Maddy Woolf, bringing a stability that is reflected in his performances on the court. Today, on a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Blue in the G League, Carlson continues to refine his game in order to establish himself in the NBA for the long term. His unconventional journey, blending faith, family, and athletic ambition, paints the portrait of a player whose determination may well surprise the big league.