Westwind Prep's ultra-skilled 6-foot-4, 200-pound senior guard Josh Braun is on the comeback trail and is looking very good - close to returning back to the basketball court. A lot has happened for Braun since we last saw him play competing on the basketball court this past spring.
Among the elite prospects in Arizona's 2013 class, and with numerous scholarship offers already on the table for himself heading into the summer, Braun was looking to add to his list of offers in the summer months with strong play on the club circuit. Unfortunately for Braun, his 2012 club season ended almost as fast as it began, after Braun suffered a torn ligament in his knee in a spring club tournament in Las Vegas, the Double Pump Spring Classic.
I happened to be at the game, when Braun, while playing for his club team - the Arizona Aces, made a strong drive to the basket - causing the injury. Braun immediately fell to the floor in pain and left the game, never to return. Braun has not returned to action since, but now looks ready to make a strong comeback in the next couple of months - just in time for his senior season.
The injury was Braun's first serious injury of his career, and he has recovered nicely.
"It is feeling stronger every day," said Braun. "I can't wait to get back on the court. It really make you appreciate the game."
Also changing for Braun is his high school where he will finish his high school career. After playing three seasons at Boulder Creek HS, and helping lead the school to a state championship, Braun decided this summer to change programs and finish at Westwind Prep.
At Westwind Prep this season, Braun will play for the program's national high school team. The lure to play against much stronger national competition was too much for Braun to pass up.
"I am really excited," said Braun. "My friends from Boulder are all excited too - they are happy for me."
Braun advised me that he still holds scholarship offers from New Mexico State, UC-Irvine, Northern Arizona and Grand Canyon University. He also said that he is still hearing from numerous other programs as well, and so he is unsure as to when he will make his college decision - either this fall or late in the spring.
Braun had an excellent junior season last year - leading his Boulder Creek team to a 20-7 overall record. Braun averaged a team-high in points and rebounds - averaging 18.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per/game, while playing almost every position on the floor for head coach Randy Walker.
Braun is a very nice talent that would have generated a lot of interest this summer. His ability to compete, shoot the basketball and make plays has made him very attractive to college programs. Look for Braun to generate much more recruiting interest when he returns to action, if he has not made a decision by then.
Braun is also an excellent student and carries a 4.0 CUM GPA.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Braun is a tough prospect with good athleticism and a great knack for the ball. Braun has a very good physical build with excellent toughness. He has a very nice shooting stroke that he shoots with very good confidence and nice range. Braun can also get his own shot off the dribble and make plays for himself or others. He is also a good scorer around the painted area of the floor, as he does not mind physical contact and gets to the free throw line. A very good ballhandler that is capable of playing either guard position on the floor, but is at his best from the shooting guard position where he can score the basketball. A very good rebounder with a good wingspan. A good defender. Possesses excellent work ethic and has good passion for the game. Has a bright future ahead of him depending on what level he lands at. Among the best well-rounded basketball prospects in Arizona - regardless of class.
