GU basketball legend Johnny Branch returns for Homecoming

Published: November 01, 2024

Author: Dave Bell

Johnny Branch graduated from Greenville College in 1991 after a record-setting career as a Panther basketball player.

He returned to campus in 2006 to be inducted into the school’s basketball hall of fame. But he hasn’t been back since then. Until this fall.

“This year, I made it a priority to come back for Homecoming,” said Branch. ”And I’m so happy I did. Greenville has grown so much, with several new buildings and much modern technology. But what was most impressive to me was that the students, faculty, and staff are still so loving and kind.

“I felt it as soon as I stepped on campus,” he continued. “A peace took over my mind and body. And even though Greenville is not my home, some of the people who live here will always be a part of my extended family. I also met some new people, and I can’t wait to build friendships with them.”

For the past year, Branch has been enjoying a closer walk with Christ, and says he now looks at the world and people through a different lens. He’s also gotten involved in a church near his home.

Though it’s been nearly 34 years since he graduated, Branch is still the all-time leading scorer for the Panther men’s basketball program, with 2,111 career points. He averaged more than 20 points per game and was known as one of the most exciting offensive players ever to wear the orange and black. Following his senior season, he was named an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. He went on to play professional basketball in Europe and Latin America for 11 years.

“I thank God for my experience at Greenville,” Branch said. “Most of the lessons I learned there weren’t taught in a classroom. Instead, people like Coach Jack Trager, Coach Kent Krober, and Coach Doug Faulkner taught me by example. Their strong marriages, their hard work, and their dedication to the mission of Greenville College (now university) made a profound impact on me.”

Branch said the coaches stayed in touch with him, not because of his basketball prowess, but because they cared about him and his spiritual journey.

“I’m forever grateful,” he concluded. “And I look forward to giving back to the University and the Greenville community. Together, we can make a difference in this world and put a smile on God’s face.”