Spurs' Malaki Branham Celebrates Ohio State Winning CFP Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 12:31 PM ET

As the San Antonio Spurs headed to Paris to take on the Indiana Pacers in two games in Victor Wembanyama's hometown, third-year guard Malaki Branham had a lot to celebrate. The former Ohio State Buckeye watched his alma mater beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff championship game, 34-23, winning their first national title since 2015.

Branham played for the Buckeyes from 2021-22 before being drafted 20th overall by the Spurs in 2022. This season, he has played a reduced role, averaging five points in ten minutes per contest.

In college, he played Chicago Bulls forward EJ Liddell, and the pair took OSU to the second round of March Madness before falling to the Villanova Wildcats.

While the game ended in the early morning hours in Paris, Branham was thrilled to see his team win.

We know someone who's excited about that @OhioStateFB championship @MalakiBranham | @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/vLvIGSOZCh
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 21, 2025

Branham's teammate, guard Blake Wesley, played a single college season at the same time as Branham, although he suited up for Notre Dame. It's unclear if the two had a friendly bet going on, but Branham certainly gets to talk some trash for the remainder of the road trip.

Wesley and the Fighting Irish made it to the second round as well before falling to Texas Tech. Both are playing fewer minutes this season than they have in years past, but the Spurs have picked up both of the options in their contract, meaning Wesley and Branham will be on the Silver and Black next season as well, barring a trade.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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