Franklin enrolled at San Diego State to play for coach Steve Fisher. As a freshman, he was part of arguably the best season in school history, along with teammates Kawhi Leonard and Malcolm Thomas, as the Aztecs went 34-3 and captured a #2 seed in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. Franklin averaged 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game. In his sophomore campaign, Franklin was thrust into the starting lineup as the Aztecs returned only one starter. He responded by averaging 17.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and leading the Aztecs to an unexpected shared regular-season title and a #6 seed in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Franklin was named Mountain West player of the year and was recognized nationally as an All-American by the Associated Press. Franklin resisted the lure of the professional ranks and returned to San Diego State in 2012–13 for his junior season. He went on to average 16.9 points and 9.5 rebounds in 32 games. On April 12, 2013, Franklin announced he would forgo his senior season to enter the NBA draft.
Professional career
Memphis Grizzlies (2013–2014)
On June 27, 2013, Franklin was selected with the 41st overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2013 NBA draft. On July 26, 2013, he signed with the Grizzlies despite not appearing for them in the 2013 NBA Summer League. During his rookie season, he had multiple assignments with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League. In July 2014, Franklin joined the Grizzlies for the 2014 NBA Summer League. On August 31, 2014, he was waived by the Grizzlies.
On October 7, 2014, Franklin signed a two-month contract with the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association. On November 26, 2014, he signed a one-month contract extension with the Lions. Later that day, he scored 53 points on 19-of-29 shooting in Zhejiang's 120-112 win over the Chongqing Flying Dragons. On January 5, 2015, he left Zhejiang after appearing in 26 games. Over those 26 games, he averaged 28.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
On January 21, 2015, Franklin was acquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League. On February 21, he had a season-best game with 27 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to the Austin Spurs.
On April 12, 2015, Franklin signed with the Denver Nuggets. He made his debut for the team later that day, recording one rebound and one assist in a 122-111 win over the Sacramento Kings. On July 13, 2015, he was waived by the Nuggets.
Second stint in D-League (2015–2016)
On August 29, 2015, Franklin signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, but left the team before appearing in a game for them. On December 4, he was reacquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
Shanxi Zhongyu (2015-16)
On December 18, Franklin parted ways with the D-Fenders and signed with Chinese team Shanxi Zhongyu. On January 10, 2016, Franklin recorded 44 points, 10 rebounds and 20 assists in a 133-123 win over the Jilin Tigers. He dominated the Chinese Basketball Association, averaging incredible numbers during his time with Shanxi. In 19 games, he averaged a triple-double with 33.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists, in addition to 3.3 steals and 1.5 blocks.
On April 5, 2016, Franklin signed with Brujos de Guayama of the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional. He left the team later that month after appearing in just four games.
Third stint in China (2016–2017)
In May 2016, Franklin re-signed with Shanxi Zhongyu for the 2016–17 season. On November 14, 2016, Franklin scored 61 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in a 125–104 win over the Beijing Ducks. Franklin's performance was the first 60-point triple double in the history of the CBA.
On July 29, 2019 Franklin agreed to a contract to re-join Shanxi Loongs. On December 10, 2019, Franklin collected a quadruple-double with forty-two points, twelve rebounds, twelve assists and ten steals in a 110–114 loss to the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.
Career Statistics
Personal life
Franklin is the cousin of platinum music producer, Hit-Boy.
