Rachal played basketball for Natchitoches Central High School in his hometown of Natchitoches, Louisiana. He helped his team win two state titles with one runner-up finish. In his junior season, Rachal averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals per game. He led his team to a Class 5A state championship and was named MVP of the title game.[1] As a senior, he averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and three steals per game.[2] A four-star recruit, Rachal committed to playing college basketball for LSU over offers from Texas and Texas A&M, among others.[3] He reaffirmed his commitment to LSU after head coach Johnny Jones was replaced by Will Wade.[4] Rachal also played football at the wide receiver position in high school and was recruited by college football programs.[5]
College career
On January 29, 2018, Rachal was suspended for one game by LSU for violating team rules.[6] He was suspended for LSU's two games at the National Invitational Tournament for undisclosed reasons.[7] As a freshman, Rachal averaged 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. For his sophomore season, he moved to Pearl River Community College.[8] Rachal averaged 15.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, earning Second Team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors.[9] For his junior season, he transferred to Tulsa. On November 16, 2019, he recorded a career-high 30 points, seven rebounds and five steals in a 72–65 victory against Austin Peay.[10] As a junior, Rachal averaged 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, and was named to the Third Team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC).[11] On January 2, 2021, he posted a senior season-high 25 points and 13 rebounds in a 70–66 win over Cincinnati.[12] Rachal was named Naismith Player of the Week on January 4.[13] As a senior, he averaged 15 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, and was a Second Team All-AAC selection.[14]
Rachal again signed with the Brooklyn Nets on October 1, 2022, but was waived on October 5. He rejoined Long Island on October 9. On January 23, 2023, Rachal was waived after appearing in 1 game. He was acquired by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants from waivers, on February 27.[19] He was waived on March 8 without appearing in a game.
^Braziller, Zach (October 16, 2021). "Nic Claxton's defensive versatility makes him underrated asset to Nets". New York Post. Retrieved October 17, 2021. On Friday, the Nets waived guards Jordan Bowden and Brandon Rachal. They could end up with their G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.