Braun, a 6-foot-10 center, is headed to Wright State University next year, where he will play forward. Braun and the Falcons made the announcement public on Twitter on Wednesday night.
— AJ Braun (@braun_aj) September 9, 2020
“It made it a lot harder to get exposure because of COVID, but I still had to try my best and do whatever I could,” Braun said. “It’s definitely a big weight off me to commit. It’s a lot of pressure, but it feels a lot better to not have to worry about the decision. It’s definitely a big relief.”
Wright State had taken an interest last summer after he attended a camp there and the staff kept in touch throughout the last year. The Raiders pulled the trigger with an offer a month and a half ago, and Braun immediately put them high on his list but wanted to make sure he took time to consider all of his options before committing.
Braun had offers from Elon, Ohio University, William & Mary, Boston University, Lehigh, Bucknell, Toledo and Youngstown State, and interest from several other schools. Braun said he didn’t rule any school out but Elon, Boston and Youngstown State also were among the ones he liked best.
In the end, Wright State felt like the best fit.
“I love the coaching staff,” Braun said. “They are building something really special, and it’s close to home, which means a lot to me. It felt like it would be a really good fit there, and it just felt like the right time to make the decision.”
Braun said the location wasn’t the deciding factor but that was definitely “a big piece” of why he chose Wright State. His family is “crazy” about the idea of being able to watch him play live more often at a close school, and Braun looks forward to finally get a chance to play at the Nutter Center, where many of the Division I high school teams play postseason games. .
“It’s going to be a whole new level, so I’m excited to make that step and I’m ready for it,” Braun said.
Fenwick coach Kelven Moss said Wright State is getting a great player on and off the court.
Braun last year ranked second in the Greater Catholic League Co-Ed Division with 18.2 points per game and was the only player in the league to average a double-double. He led the league with 11.1 rebounds per game.
“I think it’s super special for him, his family, the Falcon family,” Moss said of Braun’s college commitment. “The kid has been a tremendous talent. His development the past few months has been amazing. He’s a workaholic and deserves everything he’s getting.”
Moss said Braun especially will be a “huge asset” to the Raiders' offense.
“They really like the fact he can play inside-out at his position,” Moss said. “He can shoot the 3, passes well from the post. I think his outside game is really going to take off.”
Even without AAU ball, Braun found ways to improve his game over the summer. Wright State attended some of his open gym events as well, and he’s already working to end his Fenwick career on a high note this winter.
Braun averaged 12 points and 7.7 rebounds as a sophomore in 2018-19 while Fenwick had C.J. Napier gaining a lot of the attention as a senior that year, averaging close to 20 points a game.
“I just want to get better in all areas, but one of my main focuses is being comfortable doing everything and working on my explosiveness,” Braun said. “You can always improve, so I just want to keep working hard and help my team and hopefully build some momentum for myself going into my college career.”
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