Recruiting Report: Christian Braun (2019)
LIBERTY, Mo. — One of Kansas’ premier college prospects in the 2019 class, Blue Valley Northwest guard Christian Braun is emerging as a Division I prospect after a strong summer competing for MoKan Elite 16U squad.
Blessed with good size at 6’5, athleticism and a smooth outside shooting stroke, Bruan currently holds offers from Missouri Valley programs Missouri State and Loyala and is also drawing attention from Kansas State, Colorado and Creighton.
Expectations remain high at Blue Valley Northwest despite the graduation of guards Damien Jackson, AJ Pleasant and JaMichael Morgan the Huskies return lots of talent and height with 6’8 2018 Parker Braun, 6’6 2018 forward Joe Pleasant and others.
“Last year’s team we were a lot more athletic and played a lot faster and this year we are trying to slow stuff down and execute,” Braun said. “We’re bigger, but we’re a little slower so we just need to execute.”
In its opener against Hogan Prep, the Huskies got a test from the Rams, an undersized squad that featured Abilene Christian recruit Damien Daniels. Hogan Prep is a likely Missouri Class 3 Final Four contender this season.
“We played pretty bad and turned the ball over like, 30 times, so we have to work on that,” Braun said. “We have to work on playing better against quick teams and we could have played a lot better.”
Braun said the experience of playing for MoKan last offseason has helped prepare him for his junior season and perhaps beyond.
“I liked playing in the EYBL because it is all against good players so it makes you better and gets you ready for the season,” Braun said. “MoKan has always been great and a great environment.”
Braun said the most memorable experience was attending Peach Jam in July.
“We played against all good teams and we played well,” he said. “We had a couple of kids that got injured, but overall it was great. It was an awesome environment and teaches you a lot about basketball.
“In games, the summer speed is a little quicker so you have to move faster and execute quicker than in high school. There are a lot of athletes in summer ball and it helps you prepare for high school and it is fun, but different.”