2. Christian Braun, Kansas
Christian Braun is in a similar position as Keels as he is expected to be an early second-round pick that could manuver his way into the first round if he has some strong showings in the last two games (assuming Kansas makes the NCAA Finals).
ESPN ranks Braun as the 33rd overall prospect in the 2022 class, so there definitely is a reality in which he is taken in the first round. Braun might be more likely to go in the late first round as he is someone who can carve out a rotation spot rather early with a specific role.
First of all, Braun is a bit older so the leap to the NBA won’t take as long. He has three years of college experience and will be 21 when the 2021-22 season starts. As far as skillset goes, Braun can come into the league and instantly be an off-ball shooter on a team that has creators for him.
Braun is shooting 39.2% from beyond the arc this season and is a 38% career shooter from three in his college career. The Kansas two-guard is not someone who is going to create for others in the league but he does have potential as he can create his own shot and can even slash to the rim from the corner with good finishing ability.
Braun is not an eye-popping defender but he is someone who shows effort on the defensive end with a high motor, which will naturally lead to some defensive success in the NBA. Thus far in the tournament, Braun has been lights out as he is averaging 11.3 points per game on 54.5% three-point shooting.