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From binge watching your favorite Netflix series to enjoying the beautiful weather with your family and friends over the weekend chances are you might’ve missed out on some of the latest recruiting news surrounding your Ohio State Buckeyes. Don’t worry! Land-Grant Holy Land is here to help get you caught back up with things.
Branham picked for Jordan Brand Classic
Although there won’t be a game actually played this year due to the Covid pandemic, a future Buckeye can now add another accolade to his belt. Fresh off being recently named Mr. Basketball in the state of Ohio this past season, four-star rated St. Vincent-St. Mary (OH) class of 2021 shooting guard Malaki Branham has now been selected as a member of the Jordan Brand Classic National Boys Team.
Roster for the 2021 Jordan Brand Classic. While no game will be played due to the global pandemic, Jordan Brand still recognizes the high school athletes who have remained dedicated to the game and deserve recognition for their talent. pic.twitter.com/TPmVkvB4DO
— Krysten Peek (@krystenpeek) May 22, 2021
If you’ve watched the future Buckeye play on the court, his selection shouldn’t come as much of a shock. Not just a big time talent in the state of Ohio, Branham is looked as a top 50 player in the country. According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, the 6-foot-4 Akron product is considered the No. 7 shooting guard, and 34th overall prospect for the class of 2021. Committing to Ohio State last summer, he chose to suit up for Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes over other opportunities at programs such as Alabama, Baylor, Iowa, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Xavier.
Comparing his game to former Florida State and current NBA player Dwayne Bacon, basketball scout Jerry Meyer had the following to say on what Branham could potentially add to the Buckeyes roster.
“Good size for a shooting guard with secondary ball handler capabilities. Solid athlete. Specialty is getting to the rim with his slashing style. Improving outside shooter who can keep the defense honest. Quality ball handler and who can pass on the move. Versatile defender who rebounds at a high level.”
Malaki put together a senior campaign he’ll remember the rest of his life. Helping lead St. Vincent St. Mary to a state championship last season, Branham averaged 21 points, five rebounds, two assistants, and one steal a contest to pace the Irish to finish the year off with a final record of 25-2.
Branham is the first OSU pledge to be selected for a major All-Star game since former Buckeye forward and current Arizona State commit Alonzo Gaffney suited up in the Jordan Brand Classic back in 2019.
Get a feel for what Malaki Branham will bring to the Buckeyes rotation next season with these highlights of him in action at St. Vincent St. Mary.