🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Who’s #11 in green? He looked pretty good/aggressive too.

dylans said:

Who’s #11 in green? He looked pretty good/aggressive too.

Jaylon McDaniel. He's not really interested in being a Jayhawk though, wants to be a Tarhole.

Boo

Bossi with a nice write up of Braun. Looks like he's getting better. Can't hurt that's for sure.

When four-star small forward Christian Braun earned an offer from and committed to Kansas after a big summer with MoKan Elite, there were some skeptics. It's only natural. Braun wasn't a big-name recruit and had just really started to take off so some Kansas fans, locals and observers nationally wondered if he would be able to be a legitimate contributor for the Jayhawks.

Personally, I didn't much question if Braun would be a contributor and I'm more sure than ever he will end up playing valuable minutes in Lawrence. I watched Braun on Saturday night at the 810 Varsity Shootout in Kansas City and the senior at Overland Park (Kans.) Blue Valley Northwest put on one of the best all-around displays I've seen during this high school season, going for 37 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.

Braun actually served as his team's point guard and while he won't be asked to do that in college, his ability to make plays for others with the pass and create shots off the dribble will serve him well. He shoots a pretty jump shot with range, he's been hitting the weights and he's plenty athletic. Defense at Kansas' level will be an adjustment and he'll have to fight for his time. But, I think Braun is going to find it and it wouldn't surprise me if he turned into a guy that starts for a few years.

Such a steal.

Can shoot. Those handles for his size.... Great passer. And he has some sneaky athleticism.

@Kcmatt7

He's starting to grow on me. Him and McBride are flat out shooters. Excited to see what happens when they get here.

@BeddieKU23 I like how they both project long term.

I am mostly worried that both of them may need to be immediate contributors, though. If Dotson and Grimes end up leaving (still a possibility if they carry this team to a B12 Championship) than I think both of those guys will be immediately thrown into the fire next season. Which is terrifying. Next season's group is either going to look awesome with Sophomore Dotson and Grimes or crazy young and rough around the edges.

Braun was absolutely great in that game. Bossi is right in that Braun has a lot of tools. His biggest issue will be getting strong enough to play big time D1 ball. Hudy should help there. He could easily start his JR/SR years depending on how things shake out. I never rule that out now, Lucas started and Braun certainly has more tools than Lucas.

@Kcmatt7 We need Dotson back period. That could easily be the biggest "recruitment" that Self wins.

@BeddieKU23 I wish McBride was close enough for me to catch a game but I can't help but be impressed by him as a person as well as basketball ability. HS basketball is doofy, but you have to be pretty good at something to get 58 points in a game. I love that the staff is adding a lot of shooting with Agbaji, Braun and McBride. Braun and McBride will need to really work to be able to defend at the P5 level but both have the attitude and desire.

@BShark @Kcmatt7

Good stuff you both. I like both of these kids and I'm glad they didn't jump ship when times got tough.

McBride is kind of a cross between Frank Mason and Devonte Graham. He's a better shooter coming out of HS than Frank was, though not as good as Devonte, but he's a better slasher than Devonte was coming out of HS, though not as good as Frank. Even his size and build are sort of in between those two.

https://247sports.com/college/kansas/Board/103719/Contents/Christian-Braun-Nugget-127913653/ ↗

Could have really got a steal here if he can grow into a point forward type of player.

What we had been saying was a possibility. His brother got to 6'9 so it was never a ridiculous statement. Would love to have him and Ochai both turn into studs. Homegrown guys tearing it up. Would be nice.

Love how butt hurt everyone over there still is about JRE lol.

I like that he can shoot 3's.

@KirkIsMyHinrich I like that he looks like he is playing way above the rim this season. Like throwing it down. Better athlete than advertised.

That would be crazy if he keeps growing. Even if he doesn't he's good size besides muscle and strength training and seems to be improving his athleticism before he steps on KU's campus. A lot to like here. I especially like his shooting ability and "making others better" comments that I've seen thrown around about him

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@BShark so where should my expectations be, good as a Jr? I’m trying to keep them low. I don’t need another Grimes on my hands lol.

He looks like a Kirk Hinrich type of player to me just a little taller. Hes listed at 6'6 or 6'5 depending on the site. I like him at the 3 spot, I dont have huge expectations for his freshman year but I bet hes playing good minutes by the time hes a sophomore.

dylans said:

@BShark so where should my expectations be, good as a Jr? I’m trying to keep them low. I don’t need another Grimes on my hands lol.

So let's bear in mind my own recent record here

Correct with initial (so, when they announced for KU and I watched HS/college games) assessment recent-ish players: Moore, KJ, Graham, Mason, Dotson, McCormack, Cunliffe, Dedric

Medium whiffs: Grimes (I was more down than some on him, but still thought he'd be better than this), Mitch, Lucas, Agbaji

Whiffed hard: Bragg (thought this kid would be great for us), Diallo

So, I'm right and wrong like anyone else I suppose.

I've seen Braun a couple times. He's a better athlete than many would probably think though if we keep seeing clips like that online, the secret will be out. Decent ball skills when you assume he will be a wing at the KU level. I wouldn't think he will contribute too much next year at KU but I said the same of Agbaji. Braun needs to get stronger but he can definitely be a solid player for KU after a year of hitting the weight room.

BShark said:

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Just take that - -kinda like get the hell down - -this is MY TIME lol - -you see the glare? - - kid has some edge - -lookin at the boy kinda of like What? -- liker whatcha Got - -Bring it - -I'll be right here - - Jumpin - - Gee - -Hossie Toads - I think the OTHER guy just about wet all over himself lol -- ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

He can make 3's so he will play next yr. Probably a small role as a freshman but at least he will be a guy that can stretch the floor for this team. Him and McBride make buckets

BeddieKU23 said:

He can make 3's so he will play next yr. Probably a small role as a freshman but at least he will be a guy that can stretch the floor for this team. Him and McBride make buckets

Shooters are mildly important as we are finding out.

@BShark

Just a smidge, no biggy right?

What's the comp for Braun at this point. Anyone at KU that he resembles?

@BeddieKU23 I suck at comparisons. It also really depends on where his height ends up. If he is 6'5'' he is a pure wing, if he gets to 6'7-8'' he could end up as a 4 that could play inside and out.

As things currently stand he reminds me somewhat of Tyrel Reed pre-injury. More ball skills though.

@BShark

I figured since you've seen him live that you'd have a pretty good idea on him. No worries.

I don't think he'll ever be a 4 here imo. Look how long its taken Mitch to add weight for example. But I have seen reports that he's still growing which isn't a bad thing to have for a tall wing. Perfectly okay with the Reed comp.

@BeddieKU23 Well Mitch is a C and lacks ball skills. I think Braun could certainly work as a small ball 4 if he gains a couple inches.

@BShark

That's true.

Braun just looks far away from adding the weight needed to be a big.. Like you said if he grows a few more inches he could be a default big at times. He will certainly have the opportunity to stretch the floor from whatever position he plays.

@BeddieKU23 Agree. He has weight/muscle to put on just so he won't be banged around by the tougher guards at the B12 level. That's his biggest area for improvement and on the bright side it's something that is easier to work on then say if he lacked basketball skills.

@BShark

Really good point. His game has seemed to blossom since the summer. Never a bad thing.

Whether we think he can play the 4 or not, I don't know that he has a choice next season... A very real possibility we end up with only 4 bigs on the roster and 2 of them are Mitch and KJ.

If he plays the 4 it will be as a guard in a 4 guard line up. Dude is only 6'6 or 6'5 depending who you ask and 180 pounds. Mitch is 6'8 225 and tho we love him gets pushed around a lot down low. Braun most likely doesn't have the frame to get too big, I like him as a 2 or 3, or a 4 if its as a guard.

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Blue Valley Northwest win 75 to 70 over olathe north braun had 33 Points As his team moves on in the 1st round of the state Tournaments

@BShark I wish he was available now.

@BShark you see the glare after the flush lol? - -like get down this MY TIME - -kinda like don't be messin lol - - LOVE THE EGE - -the attitude - - like mannnnnnnnnnnnnn - whatcha doin lol - -tossing that shade lmao. - -I THINK I LIKE IT. -- rock chalk all day long baby

I like some things from the video @BShark posted, but also see some concerns. Braun looks bigger than 6-5 or 6-6 in the video, which is always nice. He also showed a nice stroke, and the ability to finish in the paint.

I am a bit concerned with his handle. He got his pocket picked on back to back plays in the highlight. One was a straight pick, the other was sloppy handling on his part. I didn't see poor ball handling throughout the clip, but it was there on those two plays.

Otherwise, he gets where he wants to get and can really shoot it.

I didn't see a lot of his defense or rebounding.

KT Raimey (#0 for Olathe North) also looked sharp in this game. He had some sloppy plays in the game, but also that big time throw down, and a couple of nice finishes around the basket. His shooting touch has also improved from the outside. He could be a nice local target (was at late night in 2018).

@justanotherfan Raimey looked like the best player on the court for much of that game to me.

Give the kid the ball, and let him shoot it. I wish we had him this year.

kjayhawks said:

@justanotherfan Raimey looked like the best player on the court for much of that game to me.

Not sure he is even being recruited at the D1 level right now. That said, he does look good.

I'm hoping whatever is going to happen with KU basketball is known before next season for recruiting purposes.

@BShark is he a junior? Maybe to tough to get him with Dotson and the guy we already have signed for this year. But if hes a junior we should look at him. I think we need to go after the 2 best guys most years in our state/area (KC).

kjayhawks said:

@BShark is he a junior? Maybe to tough to get him with Dotson and the guy we already have signed for this year. But if hes a junior we should look at him. I think we need to go after the 2 best guys most years in our state/area (KC).

Yes he is a 2020 recruit. KU will most assuredly go after bigger fish like Adam Miller, Daishen Nix* and RJ Hampton if he stays in 2020. But man if KU could get Berry, Raimey and Thompson right now that wouldn't be the end of the world...

*So yeah, Nix exploded like I thought he would. I was thinking wtf when he was ranked sub 100 and now he is a top 15 recruit so yeah.

There is also the question of how many guard spots KU is even going to have open. It will need to be a big haul if we lose Grimes, Dotson and Agbaji.

BShark said:

There is also the question of how many guard spots KU is even going to have open. It will need to be a big haul if we lose Grimes, Dotson and Agbaji.

Ku is not lossing all 3

@JAYHAWKFAN214 I think they mean after next season. I actually find it a legit possibility. No reason all three of them don't average double digit points and have us in the Top 5 from start to finish.

Yes I am talking about after next season. I am guessing right now that all three are BACK for next year. Agbaji fully expected, Dotson very likely and Grimes up in the air but he is undraftable imo.

Blue valley northwest 61 SMS 57 final
And Braun had 25point

@BShark Who is Thompson?

Hawk8086 said:

@BShark Who is Thompson?

Hes a kid from Oklahoma

Selfs old tulsas players son?

Blue Valley Northwest versus Washburn rulefor 6A championship at 6:15 tomorrow

Washburn Rural is a local school here from Topeka - - Jackson Johnson was pretty good - - but Washburn Rural better - - listened to the game - -Washburn Rural pretty Salty - -have been all year. - -Topeka done well in state

Washburn Rural in 6 a state title game - - -Washburn Rural girls in State title game - - they playing Topkea High Girls for State title so pretty wll represented. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Bvnw 53 Washburn rural 41 final boys and braun had 16 point and 10 rebounds

Congrats to Braun on the title

kjayhawks said:

@justanotherfan Raimey looked like the best player on the court for much of that game to me.

Raimey is a KCK kid. I haven't seen him play live since he was in middle school (he was well ahead of his peers then). It looks like he has been rounding out his game quite a bit.

He and Braun are two very different style of players. Braun is a true wing player. Raimey is much more of a lead/combo guard. They would look very good in the same backcourt.

As far as I know, Raimey is being recruited by a lot of the local programs right now (Creighton, Wichita State, etc.) but he has been to late night, so he is definitely on KU's radar.

Ryan on the phog is reporting Braun is now 6'8 and may still be growing... The plot thickens

The floor spacing in two years is going to be absurd.

@BShark who is # 11 in this video?

BeddieKU23 said:

Ryan on the phog is reporting Braun is now 6'8 and may still be growing... The plot thickens

Very interesting, if true. He becomes a much better signing if this is the case. His trajectory changes if he is able to play the 4 spot.

@jayballer73 Which video? Odds are I posted it awhile ago and don't remember a ton about it.

BShark said:

BeddieKU23 said:

Ryan on the phog is reporting Braun is now 6'8 and may still be growing... The plot thickens

Very interesting, if true. He becomes a much better signing if this is the case. His trajectory changes if he is able to play the 4 spot.

@jayballer73 Which video? Odds are I posted it awhile ago and don't remember a ton about it.

I wouldn't want him at the 4 unless he's a good defender and rebounder. Having a wing at 6'8, possibly even 6'9 that can shoot over the top of defenders is going to be a nice thing to have once he's comfortable in this system. thoughts?

@BeddieKU23 I want skilled, mobile 4s more often than not. I think if he is 6'8'' he offers great line-up flexibility at almost no cost. When you can get away with playing big you can plug him in at the three, when you are playing Iowa State, he could be great at the 4.

All of this is down the road of course. I think he's still a :red_circle: :shirt: candidate next year.

BShark said:

BeddieKU23 said:

Ryan on the phog is reporting Braun is now 6'8 and may still be growing... The plot thickens

Very interesting, if true. He becomes a much better signing if this is the case. His trajectory changes if he is able to play the 4 spot.

@jayballer73 Which video? Odds are I posted it awhile ago and don't remember a ton about it.

the one on the top of this thread

@jayballer73 Jaylon McDaniel. He wants to be a Tar Heel.

BShark said:

@BeddieKU23 I want skilled, mobile 4s more often than not. I think if he is 6'8'' he offers great line-up flexibility at almost no cost. When you can get away with playing big you can plug him in at the three, when you are playing Iowa State, he could be great at the 4.

All of this is down the road of course. I think he's still a :red_circle: :shirt: candidate next year.

I agree if we have the type of roster we hope a redshirt should be on the table.

BShark said:

@jayballer73 Jaylon McDaniel. He wants to be a Tar Heel.

Gotcha - - thanks man - -looks pretty decent

@BShark " I DON'T GIVE A S*** ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA! "

I love this kid. I think he has the ball skills to really be a headache for other teams at the 3 or the 4.

Might Braun play more than expected?

Braun has impressed coaches and teammates with hustle plays. “Tough” is the word everyone seems to use to describe him, which is a good way to earn minutes with Self. “Christian is probably the most prepared right now to do things that add to winning that you don’t see on a stat sheet,” Self says. “He’s unbelievable at stealing extra possessions.”

I'll be more than happy to be proven wrong here.

Kcmatt7 said:

I'll be more than happy to be proven wrong here.

Same.

Is anyone doubting Braun now? The kid will - I'm calling it - be in the NBA in three to four years, ditto Enaruna (even sooner).

My questions for Braun were never on the offensive end. My concern has always been on the defensive end. I need to see him be able to hold his own on that end. If that's the case, I don't have any doubt that he can play in the NBA as a reserve shooter. But he needs to show at least average defensive chops in order to capitalize on that.