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Ohio State hoops gets pledge from 4-star SG, Top 30 overall prospect

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Ohio State’s basketball team received some major news on Wednesday, landing a 4-star shooting guard from Akron.

Malaki Branham announced on Wednesday that he has committed to Ohio State, picking the Buckeyes over offers from nine other programs. He’s the third member of OSU’s 2021 recruiting class, joining 4-star guard Meechie Johnson and 4-star power forward Kalen Etzler.

All three players are ranked inside the top 100 prospects, according to 247Sports. Branham is the highest-rated overall talent, listed as the No. 27 overall player in the cycle.

Branham made his announcement on Twitter:

Branham is listed as a 6-foot-4 shooting guard out of Akron and is ranked as the No. 5 player at his position in his class. He’s also the top prospect out of the state of Ohio.

From 247Sports’ Jerry Meyer:

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.

On the recruiting front, Branham received a total of 10 offers. He picked Ohio State over Alabama, Baylor, Iowa, Kansas State, Louisville, Pitt, Xavier and others.

With Branham’s commitment, Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class currently sits No. 1 in the B1G. The Buckeyes are second nationally, behind only Baylor.

Dustin Schutte

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