Former Kansas Jayhawk, Christian Braun, has had a breakout year in the NBA this season for the Denver Nuggets. Recently rising into the Ringer Top 100 list, CB has been absolutely stellar as a cutter, defensive wing, and fast-break savant in the best basketball league in the world. On Thursday night, against the Milwaukee Bucks he also added a potential dunk of the year.
The Nuggets were trailing the Bucks by 12 with just under four minutes left to go in the game, and Braun did everything within his power to create a spark for a comeback, dunking on Brook “Splash Mountain” Lopez, who is a 7-foot former DPOY runner-up known for his shot-blocking ability. Not only did Braun poster the big man, but he added the and-1 as well:
CHRISTIAN BRAUN POSTER 🚨
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 28, 2025
DEN-MIL going down to the wire on TNT 📺 pic.twitter.com/M6nRFU4DQO
This is not the first time that the former KU baller threw down a monster dunk either, after he postered Rudy Gobert earlier this season in a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This should not come as a surprise, as CB boasts a whopping 40” vertical, but NBA shot-blockers seem to never learn that Bill Self’s former wing is a monster.
Braun has been following the Jayhawks closely this season as well
On Braun’s off-nights from NBA games, he has been staying up to date on the Kansas Jayhawks too, often posting about the players, lineups, and games that the crimson and blue are battling in. He clearly still stays in close contact with senior PG Dajuan Harris Jr. as well, often backing him and KJ Adams Jr. from fan backlash.
It has been almost three years now since Braun helped Kansas storm back in the National Championship against North Carolina to win 72-69. Not only did CB record 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists in the game, but he was on the court for the entire 40 minutes of the game for Bill Self and Co.
While some NBA analysts projected Braun to be a second round pick in 2023 and viewed the Nuggets taking him with the 21st overall pick, it has been apparent that his hustle, grit, athleticism, and defensive focus has translated well. Not only will Braun secure an extension or massive free agent contract, but he could very well be a decade-long NBA player.
Braun gets his next chance to watch his Jayhawks play on Saturday, Mar. 1, when they take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Allen Fieldhouse.