After each KU basketball game this season, this is where you can find out the hardwood equivalent of The Nielsen Ratings from Journal-World sports editor Tom Keegan. He’ll rate the Jayhawk scholarship players’ individual performances, telling you who was worth tuning in to watch. If you agree or maybe even differ, make sure to comment and tell Tom how you really feel. (Scoring: Each week, the top player in the ratings will be awarded 10 points. Second best gets nine points. Third best gets eight points, and so on and so on. The season standings are at the bottom.)
1. Sherron Collins: Scored 12 points and had the assist on Marcus Morris’ and-one play during a stretch of less than six minutes late in the game. Finished with 19 points, three assists and two steals and did not turn the ball over once.
2. Cole Aldrich: Had 10 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots and withstood a number of hard fouls. Has made 23 of 26 free throws on the season.
3. Tyshawn Taylor: Played 35 minutes and held Al Fisher to five points, 17 below his average. Missed a lot of layups and a dunk but still finished with 12 points, three steals, three rebounds and two assists. His drives to the hoop were more under control.
4. Marcus Morris: Still missing easy shots but finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds against a physical team. That’s progress.
5. Brady Morningstar: Played good defense, scored nine points and had four steals. Did not get a rebound in 30 minutes.
6. Markieff Morris: Played well in 13 minutes, picking up six points and five rebounds, but has to learn not to retaliate when shoved because it’s the retaliation the ref usually sees. Temper got him ejected from the game. Has to learn to keep his cool.
7. Quintrell Thomas: In nine physical minutes, Thomas had four points, three offensive rebounds and a steal.
8. Travis Releford: Fans’ love for him went up a notch when he looked a little like Brandon Rush throwing down a dunk. Always active, Releford scored five points in three minutes.
9. Tyrel Reed: Scored six points in 20 minutes and had just one turnover.
10. Tyrone Appleton: Committed an ill-advised foul and a turnover, but also scored a bucket and assisted on another.
The Keegan Ratings: Season Standings (total points)
1. Cole Aldrich (55 points)
2. Sherron Collins (53 points)
3. Tyshawn Taylor (44 points)
4. Brady Morningstar (37 points)
5. Marcus Morris (34 points)
6. Markieff Morris (31 points)
7. Tyrel Reed (27 points)
8. Travis Releford (25 points)
9. Quintrell Thomas (13 points)
10. Tyrone Appleton (11 points)
