From a small town in Kansas to Allen Fieldhouse – that’s the path that Christian Braun took on Monday.

Braun, a 6-foot-5 senior guard at Blue Valley Northwest, committed to Kansas on Monday afternoon. The commitment comes after an in-home visit on Sunday night from Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self. 

“It was a good conversation where I’d be at and where I can help the program,” said Braun. “For me and my family, it just felt right. Of course, with it being in-state and close to home, and being a dream of mine to be a Jayhawk, so I thought, why not commit to KU.”

Braun, ranked in the top 150 in all national rankings for the 2019 class, enjoyed a breakout season with MoKan Elite on the EYBL Circuit, as MoKan reached the semifinals of Peach Jam in July. During the summer, Braun landed multiple K-State, Mizzou, Wake Forest, Creighton and others. Kansas offered three weeks ago on August 30.

“It was pretty calm during the spring, but right after Peach Jam and going to Vegas in July, it got pretty crazy with offers after a few big games,” Braun recalled. “But that’s what I always wanted – different offer and different opportunities. But that’s a good problem to have.”

After a 4-4 start in 2017-18, Braun moved into the point guard slot and averaged 14.2 PPG, 3.4 assist and 4.1 rebounds. Blue Valley Northwest went 17-0 thereafter en route to its second straight state title.

Braun also played shooting guard and small forward for MoKan Elite this past summer. His versatility should help Kansas, and also help his minutes played for the Jayhawks.

“I can guard multiple positions and play multiple positions,” Braun said of his game. “That should translate well into Coach Self’s program and give me an opportunity to see the floor more.”

The Brauns had lived in Burlington, KS before moving to the Kansas City area in Overland Park before Christian’s freshman season at Blue Valley Northwest.

“Growing up in state, I always liked Kansas,” Braun recalled. “My dad (Donald) went there and are big Jayhawk fans.”