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: Not only did a cool “The Phantom of the Phog” video play on the scoreboard, Aldrich took over the game when things got a little shaky. The rim’s still rattling from his one-handed throw-down and he showcased a terrific outside shot. He finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds and attempted just 12 field goals, making nine. Partly because his vision is impaired by the mask he has to wear to protect a broken nose, Aldrich committed five turnovers.
2. Sherron Collins: Did not have any of KU’s 18 turnovers, had six assists and made 4 of 6 three-point shots on his way to 22 points.
3. Marcus Morris: Followed terrific game against Kansas State with a solid all-around effort. Had eight points and six rebounds and played strong defense against Iowa State’s Craig Brackins.
4. Markieff Morris: Had four points, two assists, three turnovers and two blocked shots in 16 minutes. Sweet hook shot was the highlight of his productive night.
5. Brady Morningstar: Other than the one drive on which he took roughly six steps without dribbling and for some strange reason was whistled for traveling, Morningstar played another solid game, particularly defensively. Iowa State’s Lucca Staiger shoots .091 (1 for 11) from long distance against Kansas and .400 against everybody else.
6. Tyrel Reed: The shot wasn’t falling. He made 1 of 5 overall and 1 of 4 beyond the arc.
7. Tyshawn Taylor: Played just 16 minutes and committed four personal fouls.
8. Mario Little: Missed all five shots, but hit the boards hard with six rebounds (four offensive) in five minutes.
9. Travis Releford: Picked up two rebounds in five minutes and looked good driving to the hoop for a basket that was erased by a questionable traveling call.
10. Tyrone Appleton: Played one minute and on a drive to the hoop picked up his first field goal of 2009. He last scored against Albany on Dec. 30, 2008.
11. Quintrell Thomas: Played one minute and was responsible for the cool “Phantom of the Phog” video by coming up with the nickname.
The Keegan Ratings: Season Standings (total points)
1. Cole Aldrich (226 points)
2. Sherron Collins (225 points)
3. Tyshawn Taylor (166 points)
4. Brady Morningstar (162 points)
5. Tyrel Reed (141 points)
6. Marcus Morris (139 points)
7. Markieff Morris (121 points)
8. Travis Releford (90 points)
9. Mario Little (73 points)
10. Quintrell Thomas (53 points)
11. Tyrone Appleton (27 points)
The Keegan Ratings: Conference Standings (total points)
1. Cole Aldrich (94 points)
2. Sherron Collins (91 points)
3. Brady Morningstar (72 points)
4. Tyshawn Taylor (64 points)
5. Mario Little (63 points)
6. Marcus Morris (59 points)
7. Tyrel Reed (57 points)
8. Markieff Morris (49 points)
9. Travis Releford (33 points)
10. Quintrell Thomas (11 points)
11. Tyrone Appleton (8 points)