Recruiting: Top Ohio Target Malaki Branham Nearing Decision

Class of 2021 shooting guard, from Akron, is expected to announce college choice on Wednesday.

The top 2021 basketball recruit in the state of Ohio will be announcing his college choice on Wednesday.

Standout shooting guard Malaki Branham from Akron (St. Vincent-St. Mary High School) expressed over the weekend that he is nearing a highly-anticipated decision, which could greatly affect Ohio State. Branham, who wears No. 22, will be committing on July 22 at 2:22 p.m.

The Buckeyes have been courting the versatile 6-foot-4, 175-pound prospect for more than two years now, hoping to keep Branham within state lines. According to the latest 247Sports industry-generate composite rankings, he is the No. 27 overall player nationally, the No. 5 shooting guard and top player in Ohio.

I will be announcing my college decision on Wednesday at 2:22pm🙏🏽

— Malaki Branham🖤 (@MalakiBranham) July 20, 2020

Ohio State is considered right there among the favorites for Branham, who has also been pursued heavily by Xavier, Louisville, Alabama, Iowa and Baylor.

Head Coach Chris Holtmann would certainly like to add Branham to a 2021 group that already features a pair of in-state products via combo guard Meechie Johnson (No. 89 overall, Garfield Heights) and power forward Kalen Etzler (No. 90 overall, Convoy Crestview)

Branham, originally from Columbus before moving to Akron for his high school years, made his official visit for a football game between OSU and Michigan State back in October. He would immediately become a key member of the Buckeye backcourt upon arrival, especially with guards C.J. Walker and grad transfer Abel Porter entering their final seasons.

Branham has helped guide SVSM (alma mater of LeBron James) to a combined 45-8 record the past two seasons, which included an appearance in the OHSAA state championship game as a sophomore and then a district title this past season before it was cut short. He plays alongside fellow top-50 recruit and combo guard Sencire Harris from the class of 2022.

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