Legacy in Motion: La Cueva's Drew Bramlett Is Crafting His Own Name in New Mexico Hoops

New Mexico high school basketball player interviews with the top ranked players. Drew Bramlett of La Cueva (2027 Class).

Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:23am

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In Albuquerque, the name Bramlett already carries weight. The banners at La Cueva High School remember A.J. Bramlett—a 1994 state champion, a University of Arizona standout, an NCAA national champion, and a pro who battled in the NBA, the CBA, and overseas. But today, the gym belongs to someone else: his son, Drew Bramlett, a top-10 prospect in New Mexico's 2025-26 class and the next chapter in a storied basketball lineage.

Why it matters

Drew Bramlett is building something new, with the guidance of a mentor who's been to the mountaintop, and a game that's quickly putting the rest of the state on notice. As the next generation of the Bramlett basketball legacy, Drew's journey is a compelling story of how he is crafting his own name in New Mexico hoops.

The details

A point guard with poise, elite vision, and a game far beyond his age, Drew Bramlett isn't chasing his father's shadow. From early drills in the driveway to film sessions in the living room, the elder Bramlett gave his son a blueprint that Drew has run with. By third grade, he was already leading his team to an AYBL title, starring in close games, and flashing signs of the calm-under-pressure demeanor that now defines him. With elite ball-handling and natural court vision, his game has matured into one of the most polished in the state, regardless of class.

  • Drew Bramlett played with the confidence of a seasoned vet last season as an underclassman.
  • He remembers winning the Jalene Berger Tournament, where he was named first team all-tournament, and a thrilling double-overtime win over Sandia.
  • Bramlett enters the 2025-26 campaign with high expectations, for himself and his team, with the goal of reaching The Pit and winning a state championship.

The players

Drew Bramlett

A Class of 2027 standout, Bramlett runs the show from the point guard spot—a role he's owned since he first picked up a ball.

A.J. Bramlett

Drew's father, a 1994 state champion, a University of Arizona standout, an NCAA national champion, and a pro who battled in the NBA, the CBA, and overseas.

Marcus Wade

The trainer who works with Drew Bramlett three mornings a week at 5 a.m. to keep his strength up during the grind of the year.

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What they’re saying

“My dad has had the biggest impact on me. He's been at the highest level, and he's shown me what it takes to get there.”

— Drew Bramlett

“My dad had me doing ball-handling drills as a little kid, so that part of my game has always been strong. Passing is something I take pride in—I've always felt that point guard was the best fit for me.”

— Drew Bramlett

“I've had games where nothing was falling, or where we're down one with the clock winding down. But I trust my work. That lets me stay calm no matter the situation.”

— Drew Bramlett

What’s next

Bramlett enters the 2025-26 campaign with high expectations, for himself and his team. Already an All-District First Team selection as a sophomore, his next step is All-State honors and increased production across the board. But the team goal? That's crystal clear - they're coming back hungry and this is a state championship-level team.

The takeaway

Drew Bramlett is building his own legacy, not just repeating history. He wears #3 not for flash, but because 'it just stuck'. He meditates before every game, not for trend, but for peace. His favorite quote 'Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard' isn't a motto, it's his identity. The Bramlett name is in good hands with Drew as he controls the tempo and sets the tone for La Cueva.