Top-30 prospect Malaki Branham became engaged to the Ohio State on Wednesday, giving Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes their third ESPN 100 prospect in the 2021 class.
Branham chose the state of Ohio over Alabama, Baylor, Louisville, Missouri, Marquette, and Xavier. The Columbus, Ohio native had officially visited the state of Ohio, but also made unofficial trips to Louisville and Xavier.
“I chose them because they didn’t recruit me as a child in the state. They were a little annoying, in a good way,” Branham told ESPN. “They never stopped calling and they never felt too comfortable. They showed me how I can thrive in their system with my versatility in the guard position. They also believe in my abilities at the highest level.”
Long considered a candidate to stay home for school, Branham insisted that it was not a lock for the state of Ohio and legitimately considered the other schools on his final list.
“That was the biggest mistake in my recruiting through other coaches,” said Branham. “My family will go anywhere to support me and I know if I had traveled the world, it would still be there for me. It just turned out to be the best option, and it was truly a difficult choice in the end schools I had on my list.
“It was not easy, and I want everyone to understand that I really took into account the schools that really recruited me and were serious about me as part of their program.”
A 6-foot-5-inch shooting guard from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Ohio) – the same high school that LeBron James attended – Branham is ranked No. 28 on the ESPN 100 by 2021. He ranks as the No. 5 player in the class at his position.
Branham averaged 18.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in four games in the Nike Peach Jam U16 for NEO Tru Game last summer, shooting 38.5% from a 3-point range.
“Branham has a robust frame and good positional size on the shooting guard station,” said Paul Biancardi, national director of recruiting for ESPN. “He shows off many old-school characteristics and skills. He plays under control during tense moments in the game with a stoic expression. His shooting fundamentals are in place, especially from the mid-range. His 3-point shot needs work, but it’s more than capable I like his ability to handle the ball if needed when needed against pressure.
“However, he is better as a driver and rebounder. His driving game is cunning and strong as he makes good contact and ends. He is a committed rebounder at both ends, blocking defense and blocking offensive glass.”
Branham is Holtmann’s third ESPN 100 prospect in the 2021 draft class, joining point guard Meechie Johnson (No. 45) and forward Kalen Etzler (No. 97). Both players got engaged in the spring or summer of 2019. Ohio State also has Bucknell transfer Jimmy Sotos (11.5 PPG, 3.9 APG), who would have to stay out next season if he doesn’t get an exemption to play right away.
“I am a winner,” Branham said. “I have been part of state championship teams and I also had the privilege of participating in the coveted EYBL Peach Jam. I love winning and I am willing to work hard for the team’s success. I know it will not. It will be easy, but I will work and do whatever it takes to be the last team standing. That is my expectation. “
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