Biography

BIOGRAPHY

Malaki Branham was born May 12, 2003 in Columbus, Ohio. He is a forward in the NBA.

Branham was a consensus four-star recruit and ranked as the best player in Ohio. On July 22, 2020, Branham committed to playing college basketball for Ohio State. Branham started his college career off the bench, but quickly became a regular starter. He scored a career-high 35 points in a 87–79 overtime win against Nebraska after a nearly month-long COVID pause. In a three-game stretch in February, he scored 22, 27, and 31 points. As a freshman, he averaged 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and two assists per game. Branham was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year as well as Third Team All-Big Ten. On April 1, 2022, Branham declared for the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He later signed with an agent, forgoing his remaining eligibility.

Branham was selected with the 20th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 NBA draft.