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Kansas forward Markieff Morris pulls back for a two-handed dunk over Fort Hays State guard Orrin Greer during the first half of Tuesday's exhibition at Allen Fieldhouse.
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Markieff Morris comes back strong
After a single exhibition game, Coach Bill Self is saying Markieff Morris is showing the most improvement from a year ago. Markieff gained 30 pounds during the offseason and has added weight to his offensive game to match.
It took all of 16 seconds for Kansas University sophomore power forward Markieff Morris to show how much he has improved since the end of last season.
“Even my son made the statement the other day ... the first time we get him the ball, he dunks in traffic,” KU basketball coach Bill Self said.
“Last year we didn’t even know if he could dunk. He could, but he didn’t play very strong.”
Self’s son, Tyler, voiced his approval Tuesday night when the 6-foot-9, 232-pound Morris dunked off a feed from Sherron Collins. The hoop gave the Jayhawks a 2-0 lead en route to an 107-68 pasting of Fort Hays State in Allen Fieldhouse.
Morris — who started in the frontcourt next to Cole Aldrich — finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals in just 22 minutes. His most impressive play might have been his first of the two-game exhibition season.
“I didn’t think anything of it. I got the ball in a good position and tried to dunk it,” Morris said, downplaying the crowd-pleasing play.
Pressed, however, Morris — who also slammed off a feed from Tyshawn Taylor to give KU a 41-26 lead — admitted he wasn’t much interested in rattling the rim a year ago.
“I was too worried about being tired to dunk the ball,” Morris said. “A dunk, then running back on defense can take a lot of energy out of you.
“A dunk will get your adrenaline going. You can play a lot longer after the dunk, but one or two plays later you feel tired. I’d say, ‘I shouldn’t have dunked that because now I’m tired.’ This year I’m not worried about being tired. We’ve got a lot of good players coming in. This year I play as hard as I can, get a sub and come back in and give us three minutes at a time like coach always says.”
Morris — it has been well-documented by now — has gained 30 pounds since the end of last season. Impressed at the big man’s work in the weight room, Self calls Markieff “of our returning guys, the most improved player we have.
“He is smart. He knows how to play. He has a good feel for the game. He came in last year and didn’t go through the summer (program). He didn’t go to Canada (with team because he was not yet eligible). He and Marcus (twin brother, 10 points, six rebounds vs. Hays) were behind the 8-ball from understanding. They have a better grasp of what is going on now.”
The twins were on a roller-coaster ride a year ago. Marcus averaged 7.4 points and 4.7 rebounds, Markieff 4.6 points and 4.4 boards.
“I think from an outsider’s perspective, a fan’s perspective, they could be frustrating at times to watch when they were young because they were inconsistent,” Self said. “When Julian (Wright) and Mario (Chalmers) were inconsistent (as freshmen) we had some other guys. They didn’t have to be out there as much. We played Nevada ... Julian played three minutes, and (Nick) Fazekas had six points, and we couldn’t put Julian back in the game.
“We played Cal, and Mario had five turnovers in 15 minutes, and we couldn’t put him in the game. We had to go to Stephen Vinson to win the game. The twins didn’t have those type games. I still feel like we expected them to be beyond their years when there’s a natural thing that has to take place. It happened to those other guys. I think it’s happening to these guys (twins) right before our eyes.
“They are fun to coach. I do think they were a little underappreciated last year because they did more than most freshmen do, just our expectations were high.”
Markieff said he didn’t fret over some fan criticism last season.
“I want the fans to be happy. I take whatever they say and take it in consideration and try to get better every day,” Markieff said. “Last year I felt I wasn’t playing as well every game as some games. This year I feel I have to be more consistent.”
And that means finishing around the rim.
“Coach hasn’t said anything yet. He probably will tease me about the dunk when we watch the film,” Markieff said with a laugh.
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Comments
drgnslayr (anonymous) says...
Markieff: take my advice. Eat magnets for breakfast and you'll be hanging around the iron ring all day long, where you belong. Memorize every millimeter of the rim and backboard because that is where you need to live until the end of March. Own it. Call it home, and keep unwanted guests out of your home! Do that and all the points, rebounds and blocks will be there for you.
Make it yours! Take it personal when some opposing team Clyde tries to claim it for himself. Kick him out of your home!
Your potential is endless so go make it happen!
November 6, 2009 at 1:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kingpin (anonymous) says...
+1
November 6, 2009 at 2:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1fanfromillinois (anonymous) says...
keep up the hard work markieff! it will pay off! three minutes at a time is a great strategy with the bigs KU has this year. I love the mentality and I can't wait to see KU dominate down low this year! RCJH!
November 6, 2009 at 4:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
klong (anonymous) says...
He did look better. Glad he is working hard to be a champion.
November 6, 2009 at 5:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Timmay97 (anonymous) says...
I think I'm gonna throw up on how good this team should be in March. Where is the weak link? By March, guys like Xavier, Elijah and Thomas are all gonna be in sink with the other guys. This team is stacked and scary good.
November 6, 2009 at 6:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
omng392 (anonymous) says...
Personally, I thought the Morris twins played very well last year. Trial by fire is tough and they made it and I think they are better for it. The thing that I really liked about the twins last year is that they never took any BS from anyone... There were a couple of times last year that you could see both guys sticking up for their team, it may have cost us a T here and there but I liked the attitude they had on the court.
November 6, 2009 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TenaciousD (anonymous) says...
Awesome that HCBS put things in perspective a bit regarding the twins and all the criticism they received last year - and a ton on this message board.
“They are fun to coach. I do think they were a little underappreciated last year because they did more than most freshmen do, just our expectations were high.”
Neither was a McDonalds All American. Marcus starting at KU as a freshman? That doesn't happen often. There are a lot of former Jayhawks now in the NBA that looked pretty clueless on the court as freshmen. The twins did great last year all considered.
Really looking forward to seeing how the sophomores perform!!!
November 6, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jbrownjib (anonymous) says...
I think that the Morris bros will feel a lot more energetic from the work in the weight room this summer. As an endurance athlete, their bodies will run more efficiently and they will finish the games stronger. Last year they got pushed around and dominated. This year, they will be the punishers and will dominate the paint. I can't wait to watch them play.
November 6, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truehawk93 (anonymous) says...
Rattle that rim Mk, rattle the rim my friend!!
Flush that rock and rock the boards baby!!
RCJHKU
November 6, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brak (anonymous) says...
I am predicting alot of lopsided victories this year - I can just see the end of the second half when the opposing team is dragging because they had to keep their starters in most of the game to have any chance and KU is just running up and down the court like the game just started. Should be an exciting season, can't wait. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!
November 6, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PikesPeakSmitty (anonymous) says...
We'll have our bad shooting days, but we're gonna own the boards.
7 days till season tip off! (unless Hofstra forfeits).
November 6, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...
TenaciousD,
I couldn't agree more! The Morris twins were definitely not as bad as people made them out to be last year. A lot of the great players that ever played at KU weren't very good as freshman, even Hinrich & Collison, although they did show flashes of good play here and there. Fans expectations were probably a litte elevated after the national championship the season before.
As I expected, the Morris twins will be fine! Call me crazy but I think they'll end up in the NBA too, maybe not after this year, but maybe next year or the year after. As long as they have Self & D Manning coaching them, and they continue to work as hard as they are now, they'll get there.
November 6, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ralster (anonymous) says...
Great story on MkM. Good job by MkM in the game. What a confidence booster for him, his brother, and a trust builder for Sherron & Cole, knowing they have real help. And a confidence gainer for any KU guard with the ball looking to pass it inside.
--------------------------------------
omng392,
I agree with you about that "court toughness" the twins showed last year--this year they are likely more capable of backing that up with strong performances. Appropriately channelled aggression+competetiveness is a good thing. Sherron is another example of such. Actually so was Brady (didnt take nuthin' from Denis Clemente).
--------------------------------------
Very commendable comment by Markieff about being aware of "fan criticism" and taking that into account and trying to become better. That is not a fragile-ego that acknowledges that and can take it in stride in a positive manner--Markieff: you da man! I have no worries after hearing that and seeing your first game as a soph. RCJH!
November 6, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OakvilleJHawk (anonymous) says...
ralster
Are you a former Div 1 or Div 2 player? Your comments always carry a valuable extra insight that shouts " been there, done that, had that done to me". You are also very fair-minded and rational though still bleeding pure Crimson and Blue.
Just curious, my friend.
November 6, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bentleybook (anonymous) says...
I Love the story, but more I love the dedication that Markieff has put in. I have to admit I wanted coach Self, not to play either one of the twins last year, but I got used to seeing how hard Jackson and Kaun worked down low. As a Ku Fan we want the best and sometime it looked like the twins were not giving their best( and the Refs didnt help them either, they got some horrible calls last year ) But to know they were in the weight room only a couple days after the final loss last year show me alot and I've started to change my mind about them and i have to admit they look great so far this year ( late night and one game, lol ) rock chalk
November 6, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Matt1958 (anonymous) says...
This time last year, I was not much of a Morris twins fan. I won't be foolish enough to repeat my predictions about them. Sometimes, it is wonderful to be wrong.
November 6, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KUGuyInTarheelLand (anonymous) says...
I think it is great that our 2nd five, if starting for any other team in the country, would still be in the top 25. That basically gives KU 2 different top 25 teams to use in any game at will. This is going to be probably the most fun season start to finish that we've had. But as long as we win those last 6 games, I'll take anything else that comes! rcjhku
November 6, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jaybate (anonymous) says...
Know we were all high on TRob and he probably deserves it, but there are some big pieces of lumber he is going up against.
Kieff, for one, is making it look like TRob will have to go through a maturation process also. Kieff probably lacks the motor to dominate, but at his weight, three minutes of Kieff and the opposition is going to be looking forward to Self substituting.
How would you like to be TRob and have to go for boards against Cole, Kieff, Marcus, and Withey every day your first season in D1?
Games are going to seem like a break to TRob.
Wow!
November 6, 2009 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jkilgore (anonymous) says...
It is funny to me to see how many fans expect 18 year old kids to come in and play at the same level as 22 and 23 year olds with four years of college experience. Oh well, let's remember the same with our incoming freshmen this year--they'll be spectacular one minute and not-so spectacular the next. Rock Chalk Jayhalk! This year will be a blast!
November 6, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jhawkr (anonymous) says...
I just hope they have matured as much as the writers make us believe ! For now I do believe and I am glad they saw how much harder they had to work in the weight room and on their conditioning.
Of course nothing like a rebounding freak like TRob and slick Withey to put a little pep in their step ................
November 7, 2009 at 1:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drum1984 (anonymous) says...
Gotta like someone who puts in that kind of work to get better. I have a feeling Kieff is going to be a huge factor this season.
November 8, 2009 at 2:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
model454pilot (anonymous) says...
Hi Jesse: Here is another comment, so I am getting thru. Go Jayhawks. I still do not know how this is happening. I went to "mens basketball" and scrolled down discussion comments and clicked on "discuss"
November 11, 2009 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )