Kansas basketball: 3 ways Parker Braun reinforces the Jayhawks depth

Feb 2, 2023; Spokane, Washington, USA; Santa Clara Broncos forward Parker Braun (23) passes the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson (22) in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga won 88-70. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

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PROVO, UT- FEBRUARY 16: Parker Braun #23 of the Santa Clara Broncos drives against Noah Waterman #0 of the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half February 16, 2023 at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

1. Braun allows KJ Adams to move permanently to the four.

KJ started at center all of last season because the other guys fighting for a spot were not good enough yet. By adding a true backup big, KJ can move back to the four and expand his game further.

While he is not a lock to start at power forward — Kansas might add a stretch big in the portal — KJ can now play the role he was supposed to. Braun can take over some of the duties of guarding 7-footers and serving as the team’s backup center.

KJ can become even better this season with a hard work ethic. It would be a massive boon to Kansas if he can start nailing 14-18 foot mid-range jump shots, or at least hit some of them to make opposing teams respect him. That should allow the offensive spacing to improve tremendously so the Jayhawks do not clump up the paint with two bigs at all times.

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