Kansas Jayhawks' Christian Braun to enter NBA draft but maintain college eligibility

Kansas junior Christian Braun will enter the NBA draft but will maintain his college eligibility, he told ESPN on Sunday.

«It is hard to follow a season where you win every championship that's in front of you, but I'm excited to explore the options in front of me and enjoy this process,» Braun said. «I've worked my whole life to show the NBA who I am and what I'm about so I will continue to put my head down and work to achieve my dream of playing in the NBA.»

Braun, the No. 30 prospect in the ESPN 100, had a breakout junior season, being named second-team All-Big 12 after averaging 14.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 34 minutes for Kansas. The Jayhawks won both the Big 12 regular season and conference tournament championships, before winning the NCAA championship at the Final Four in New Orleans.

Braun played an essential role in helping Kansas overcome a 15-point halftime deficit to win their first NCAA championship since 2008 by playing lockdown defense, grabbing 12 rebounds and scoring 10 second half points.

«This year at Kansas couldn't have gone any better,» Braun said. «Winning a national championship was our goal from day one,» Braun said. «I showed the NBA the different ways that I impact winning, on both sides of the ball and my willingness to do whatever it takes to put my team in the best position. Whether it's knocking down open shots, scoring in transition, or defending the opposing team's best player, my primary focus is taking any challenge in front of me head-on to help our team.»

Braun played up to four positions for Kansas this season, switching seamlessly on the perimeter, putting a body on big men in the post and doing quite a bit of facilitation in the half-court. He's an excellent