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. Brady Morningstar: Talk about shooting efficiency. Morningstar scored 21 points even though he only attempted nine shots from the field. He made 6 of 8 three-point shots and had seven rebounds.
2. Tyshawn Taylor: Did a nice job of checking Coppin’s leading scorer, Tywain McKee, in the first half. At haltime, Taylor was on pace for a double-double. He left with a left ankle sprain midway through the second half. Returned to the bench late in the game but never re-entered. Finished with 10 points, five boards and six assists and had only one turnover.
3. Cole Aldrich: Has made 16 of 17 free throws in the past two games, but nobody remembers the 16 in that equation. Finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds and took just 11 shots from the field.
4. Sherron Collins: Misfired on all three three-point attempts and committed three turnovers, but otherwise played a solid game, contributing 11 points and eight assists.
5. Marcus Morris: Missed some easy shots, but hit the offensive boards hard, picking up five of his nine rebounds on offense.
6. Travis Releford: The ever-active freshman totaled eight points, three offensive rebounds and two turnovers in 13 minutes.
7. Markieff Morris: Not a great night for the taller twin, who was whistled for three personals and committed two turnovers in 13 minutes.
8. Tyrone Appleton: Had an assist and a rebound in five minutes.
9. Tyrel Reed: Didn’t look to be on top of his game and was scoreless in 15 minutes.
10. Quintrell Thomas: Dropped another one.
The Keegan Ratings: Season Standings (total points)
1. Cole Aldrich (46 points)
2. Sherron Collins (43 points)
3. Tyshawn Taylor (36 points)
4. Brady Morningstar (31 points)
5. Marcus Morris (27 points)
6. Markieff Morris (26 points)
7. Tyrel Reed (25 points)
8. Travis Releford (22 points)
9. Tyrone Appleton (10 points)
10. Quintrell Thomas (9 points)
