Ohio State basketball: Bucks close to adding 4-star SG

The Ohio State football team isn’t the only program doing well on the recruiting trail this summer as the Ohio State basketball program is about to add a 4-star recruit very soon.

Chris Holtmann has done a really good job picking up the slack in Ohio State basketball recruiting since he took the job in 2017. The 2019 season was his best recruiting class by far, as it was the 14th best class in the country. He’s already doing better for the class of 2021.

Right now the Buckeyes have the 12th best class in the country. They have two four-star commits. Meechie Johnson is a combo guard from Willoughby, Ohio who is the second-best prospect in the state. They also have power forward Kalen Etzler from Convoy, Ohio who is the third-best prospect in the state.

They are about to make that class even better. The number one player in the state, shooting guard Malaki Branham, is about to announce his college decision on Wednesday. He is projected to take his talents to Ohio State and play for Holtmann and company.

Ohio State basketball is locking down Ohio

Branham is the 27th best player nationally and is about as close to a five-star as you can get. He might very well earn that fifth star during his senior season. He is from St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, which we all know produced superstar LeBron James.

Branham would easily jump the Buckeyes’ class into the top 10 and maybe even the top 5. At 6’4 and 175 pounds, Branham is an excellent slasher at the rim. He can finish with ease and uses his athleticism to finish in traffic.

His size also allows him to be a very efficient rebounder, which the Buckeyes have struggled with in the past. He’s a solid defender and ball handler as well. His outside shooting needs a little work, but it is already improving. He would make an excellent addition to Holtmann’s roster.

We will know for sure where Branham wants to play basketball on Wednesday, which is when he will announce his decision. We will have everything for you here!