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Ohio State freshman Malaki Branham to announce future plans Wednesday
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A big decision is ahead for Ohio State freshman guard Malaki Branham. Will he keep his name in the 2022 NBA Draft or will he return to Columbus for another season.
We’ll find out on Wednesday, April 27.
Per Clay Hall of WSYX 6, Branham is expected to announce his future plans on Wednesday. He has declared for the NBA Draft already but maintained his college eligibility. It appears that he’ll make a final decision about his future this week.
JUST IN: Malaki Branham will announce his future plans tomorrow afternoon @ 1. @ChrisHoltmann at his side. @OhioStateHoops
— Clay Hall (@claywsyx6) April 26, 2022
“I will be testing the draft waters while keeping my college eligibility intact,” Branham said, per ESPN earlier this month. “I want to find the best situation and the right fit for me. I am staying in the draft if I’m in the first round because I believe if someone gives me four years to prove myself, I have no doubt that they will love what they’re getting.”
In his first 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