NBA Draft 2022: 5 Big 12 basketball prospects improving their draft stock

Big 12 basketball has some stars emerging on the horizon. Here’s a look at five prospects that have raised their stock in this year’s NBA Draft class.

6-foot-6 sophomore Christian Braun, Guard/Forward, Kansas Jayhawks

Christian Braun has had himself a breakout junior campaign on the Kansas basketball roster, seeing his production rise from 9.7 ppg in 2002-21 to 15.1 ppg along with 5.7 rpg and a career-high 3.2 apg, and 1.1 bpg in 2021-22. His ability to affect the game should intrigue NBA Draft scouts as should his activity on both ends of the floor.

Braun put folks on notice in the Jayhawks’ 95-75 victory over St. John’s back on Dec. 3 with a career-high 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field, 2-of-4 shooting from 3-point land, and 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. He also racked up eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

He can handle the ball a little bit, defend around the rim and be a presence in the paint on the offensive with his underrated athleticism and strength. He ranks second in Big 12 basketball in total blocks (24) while boasting the third-best offensive rating (119.8) and field goal percentage (50.6 percent) in the conference as well.

Braun’s presence in the Jayhawks rotation has certainly grown as the season has progressed and he’s embraced the role. Look for his name to become a hot commodity over the next few months, even if to test the NBA Draft waters.