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Ohio State’s Malaki Branham reveals decision on 2022 NBA Draft
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Ohio State freshman star Malaki Branham will officially be a one-and-done player.
Wednesday afternoon, with head coach Chirs Holtmann by his side, Branham announced that he will keep his name in the NBA Draft, putting a close to his college career. He had initially maintained the option to return to Ohio State for the 2022-23 season.
Branham joins EJ Liddell as a Buckeye to declare for the NBA Draft with the intention of keeping his name in and not returning to Columbus.
In his only season in Columbus, Branham averaged 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2 assists per game while shooting nearly 50% from the floor. He also shot 41.6% from 3-point range and 83.3% from the free throw line.
That combination earned Branham a spot on the B1G All-Freshman Team and he was named the league’s Freshman of the Year for the 2021-22 season.
Following an up-and-down start to his college career with the Buckeyes, Branham settled in midway through the season. He closed the year strong, posting double-figure scoring performances in 14 of his final 16 points. He scored a season-high 31 in an 86-83 win over Illinois.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB