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. Cole Aldrich: Missed a key free throw late (5 for 6 for the game) and his shots from down low didn’t fall, but he still had 15 points, 16 rebounds, two blocked shots and three steals.
2. Marcus Morris: Showed all of his skills, contributing 11 points, 11 boards, six assists, two blocked shots and a steal.
3. Tyshawn Taylor: Outscored Syracuse, 9-0, during a first-half stretch that took just 1:40 off the clock.
4. Sherron Collins: Forced things and was outplayed by Syracuse’s Jonny Flynn, the tournament MVP.
5. Markieff Morris: Fouled out in 13 minutes and had five points and four rebounds.
6. Brady Morningstar: Hit a big three in the second half and made all three free-throw attempts.
7. Tyrel Reed: Made just 2 of 8 three-point shots.
8. Tyrone Appleton: Made a nice pass for an assist in his one minute at the end of the first half.
9. Travis Releford: Played one minute.
10. Quintrell Thomas: Played one minute. Does he have the quickness and hands to compete against high-level teams?
The Keegan Ratings: Season Standings (total points)
1. Cole Aldrich (38 points)
2. Sherron Collins (36 points)
3. Tyshawn Taylor (27 points)
4. Tyrel Reed (23 points)
5. Markieff Morris (22 points)
T6. Brady Morningstar (21 points)
T6. Marcus Morris (21 points)
8. Travis Releford (17 points)
9. Quintrell Thomas (8 points)
10. Tyrone Appleton (7 points)
