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Branden Dawson

From Alfawiki
Branden Dawson
Born (1993-02-01) February 1, 1993 (age 33)
Gary, Indiana, U.S.
OccupationProfessional basketball player (former)
Years active2011–2025
Known forMichigan State Spartans basketball, NBA player for Los Angeles Clippers

Branden James Dawson (born February 1, 1993) is a former American professional basketball athlete. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, he attended Lew Wallace High School and competed collegiately for the Michigan State Spartans. During his final collegiate season, he played a key role in Michigan State's advancement to the NCAA tournament Final Four.

High school career

Dawson developed his basketball skills at Lew Wallace under the guidance of coach Renaldo Thomas. After missing most of his freshman year due to academic ineligibility, he quickly rose to prominence, earning a spot in the 2011 McDonald's All-American Boys Game by the end of his senior year. He spearheaded Lew Wallace’s sectional championship victory, contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals in the critical matchup against Clark. In the regional finals, Dawson led his team with 28 points and 15 rebounds; however, Lew Wallace fell 69–65 to Western. His senior year averages included 28.7 points, 18.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.

Recognized as a five-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, Dawson received a 96 rating from ESPN. He committed to Michigan State on August 4, 2010.

College career

Although Dawson had scholarship offers from Purdue, Indiana, UCLA, Georgetown, and Marquette, he chose Michigan State in August 2010. In his debut exhibition game against Ferris State, he tallied 15 points and 9 rebounds. His official collegiate debut featured a 10-point effort during a loss to North Carolina at the 2011 Carrier Classic. Twice during his freshman year, he reached a season-best of 16 points before suffering a torn left ACL against Ohio State that cut his season short. He finished his freshman campaign averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest.

Dawson opened his sophomore season with a double-double performance of 15 points and 10 rebounds versus Connecticut. In January, he posted another double-double against Purdue amid reports of an incident; following investigation, no disciplinary measures were imposed. A subsequent altercation with teammate Adreian Payne resulted in both players being sidelined for one game. Shortly thereafter, Dawson achieved season highs of 18 points and 13 rebounds in a victory over Wisconsin. He concluded that season averaging 8.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

During his junior year in January 2014, Dawson sustained a broken right hand that sidelined him for nine contests. He returned to average 11.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game throughout the season and led Michigan State to capture the Big Ten tournament title while earning Most Outstanding Player honors.

In his senior year, Dawson earned second team All-Big Ten recognition as well as selection to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. Across 35 games played, he averaged 11.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per outing while helping Michigan State reach the Final Four before falling to Duke. He identified competing for championships as a key factor in his decision to attend Michigan State.

Over four seasons at Michigan State, Dawson appeared in 130 games (starting in 121), averaging 26.6 minutes per contest along with career marks of 10.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Despite attempting nine three-pointers without success, he graduated as Michigan State’s all-time leader in blocked shots with a total of 142.

College statistics

Source:[1]

|- | align="left" | 2011–12 | align="left" | Michigan State | 31 || 31 || 20.6 || .577 || .000 || .594 || 4.5 || .9 || .9 || .8 || 8.4 |- | align="left" | 2012–13 | align="left" | Michigan State | 36 || 35 || 26.9 || .531 || .000 || .538 || 5.9 || 1.3 || 1.6 || .9 || 8.9 |- | align="left" | 2013–14 | align="left" | Michigan State | 28 || 23 || 28.3 || .613 || .000 || .656 || 8.3 || 1.6 || 1.3 || .9 || 11.2 |- | align="left" | 2014–15 | align="left" | Michigan State | 35 || 32 || 30.1 || .535 || .000 || .490 || 9.1 || 1.7 || 1.2 || 1.7 || 11.9 |- |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career | align="right" | 130 || 121 || 26.6 || .559 || .000 || .558 || 6.9 || 1.4 || 1.3 || 1.1 || 10.1 |-


Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2016)

Dawson was picked by the New Orleans Pelicans as the 56th overall selection in the 2015 NBA draft and was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for cash considerations.[2] Following an impressive showing in the 2015 NBA Summer League, where he averaged 12.8 points and grabbed 10.3 rebounds, he inked a two-year deal with the Clippers on July 15.[3] Throughout his rookie year, Dawson was assigned several times to NBA Development League affiliates including Bakersfield Jam, Grand Rapids Drive, and Erie BayHawks.[4] He made his NBA debut on December 28, contributing one block in three minutes against the Washington Wizards.[5] Dawson scored his first NBA points on January 2, 2016, during a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.[6] The Clippers released him on July 17, 2016.[7]

Erie BayHawks (2016–2017)

On September 8, 2016, Dawson signed with the Orlando Magic but was waived on October 16 after appearing in two preseason contests. Subsequently, on October 29, he joined the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player. His tenure with the BayHawks ended when he was waived on March 29, 2017.

Hapoel Tel Aviv (2017)

Dawson signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Basketball Premier League on March 31, 2017, for the remainder of that season. Across eight games, he posted averages of eight points and 4.6 rebounds per contest.

Sun Rockers Shibuya (2017–2018)

On August 13, 2017, Dawson agreed to terms with the Sun Rockers Shibuya competing in Japan's B. League. In a span of ten games, he averaged 6.6 points and collected 2.9 rebounds while playing an average of 12.2 minutes per game.

Cañeros del Este (2018)

On July 15, 2019, Dawson inked a deal with Cañeros del Este competing in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto.

Soles de Mexicali (2018–2019)

Dawson joined Soles de Mexicali of Mexico's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP) on December 19, 2018. He achieved career-best numbers on January 9, 2019, recording 25 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists in a 111–90 victory against Correcaminos UAT Victoria. Throughout 21 appearances that season in the LNBP, he averaged 14.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.

Gigantes de Jalisco (2019)

Dawson wrapped up the season playing for Gigantes de Jalisco in the Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacífico (CIBACOPA).

Metropolitanos de Mauricio Báez (2019)

In July 2019, Dawson signed with Metropolitanos de Mauricio Báez, a team in the Torneo Superior de Baloncesto.

Return to Cañeros (2019)

On September 3, 2019, Dawson made his return to Cañeros del Este of the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto, where during the regular season he had previously averaged 13.5 points and 2.3 blocks per game.

Bnei Herzliya (2019)

Dawson agreed to a two-month contract on November 29, 2019, with Bnei Herzliya competing in the Israeli National League, serving as injury replacement for Jakim Donaldson. After participating in two games, he mutually parted ways on December 14 due to injury.

On March 3, 2020, Dawson signed with Cocodrilos de Caracas of the Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto.

Kaohsiung Jeoutai Technology (2020–2021)

In November 2020, Dawson joined Kaohsiung Jeoutai Technology, a club in Taiwan's Super Basketball League. He was released by the team on February 7, 2021.

Hsinchu JKO Lioneers (2021–2022)

On February 15, 2021, Dawson became part of the Hsinchu JKO Lioneers roster competing in Taiwan's P. League+. He made an impressive debut tallying 21 points and 13 rebounds against the top-ranked Taipei Fubon Braves. The organization confirmed his re-signing for the subsequent season on June 4, 2021.

TaiwanBeer HeroBears (2022–2023)

Dawson signed with the TaiwanBeer HeroBears of the T1 League on November 2, 2022. His contract was later terminated on April 4, 2023.

Spartans Distrito Capital (2023)

On April 22, 2023, Dawson joined Spartans Distrito Capital, a team competing in the Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto.

Club Rafael Barias (2023)

Dawson became a member of Club Rafael Barias in the Torneo Superior de Baloncesto starting September 10, 2023.

Indios de San Francisco de Macorís (2024)

On July 24, 2024, Dawson signed with Indios de San Francisco de Macorís participating in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto.

Dawson announced his retirement from professional basketball on January 27, 2025.

Regular season

|- | align="left" | | align="left" | L.A. Clippers | 6 || 0 || 4.8 || .400 || .000 || 1.000 || .7 || .0 || .0 || .2 || .8 |- | align="center" colspan="2" | Career | 6 || 0 || 4.8 || .400 || .000 || 1.000 || .7 || .0 || .0 || .2 || .8

Personal life

Born on February 1, 1993, Dawson is the son of Leon Albritton and Cassandra Dawson. During his high school years in March 2010, he welcomed a son named My'Shawn. He completed his academic studies at Michigan State University, obtaining a degree in sociology.

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named msubio
  2. ↑ NBA.com
  3. ↑ Los Angeles Times, NBA.com
  4. ↑ NBA.com
  5. ↑ NBA.com
  6. ↑ NBA.com
  7. ↑ NBA.com
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