Ohio State Basketball: Malaki Branham and E.J. Liddell will find success in the NBA

Ohio State Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell (32) hugs guard Malaki Branham (22) following the NCAA men's basketball game against the Michigan State Spartans at Value City Arena in Columbus on March 3, 2022. Ohio State won 80-69.Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes /

Ohio State had multiple players selected in the NBA Draft for the first time since 2007 as Malaki Branham and E.J. Liddell heard their names called on Thursday night. I think both should have an opportunity to compete for playing time next season and potentially develop into productive role players down the line.

First day in San Antonio 🔥

(📸: @spurs) pic.twitter.com/pG4krVMTXb
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) June 26, 2022

Ohio State Basketball: Malaki Branham and EJ Liddell will find success in the NBA

Following an impressive freshman season with the Ohio State basketball team, Branham was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs with the 20th overall pick. The Ohio native flashed high upside, scoring 13.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game on 41.6% shooting from 3-point range en route to winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

“I felt like my mindset changed and I just wanted to be aggressive and help the team win. I felt like I did that the second half of the season,” Branham said during the Spurs’ introductory press conference. “I’m super excited. Just trying to embrace the moment and have fun with it. My dream came true that night.”

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