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: Scored a career-high 24 points to go with 13 rebounds. Probably doesn’t get all the credit he deserves for being a great offensive rebounder. Added four blocks as well.
2. Sherron Collins: KU’s second-leading scorer with 18 points. He hit big shots when the Jayhawks needed them and also came through by making 6 of 7 free throws. Five turnovers are too many, though.
3. Marcus Morris: First half was his best half for Kansas. He showed off a mid-range game, passed well and hit the boards hard. Didn’t fare as well in the second half but still finished with eight points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal in 17 minutes.
4. Tyrel Reed: He pretty much summed up the night for Kansas: Very good offensively. Not so hot at the other end. Reed scored a career-high 14 points.
5. Markieff Morris: Contributed eight rebounds and three blocked shots and committed just two fouls in 24 minutes.
6. Tyshawn Taylor: Very solid first half, but had a rough second half, especially defensively.
7. Brady Morningstar: Shots that usually fall didn’t, but he did have five assists without turning it over. Didn’t have his typically solid defensive game, but did block two shots.
8. Travis Releford: Not quite there defensively yet, as three personals in eight minutes shows, but was very active offensively, contributing five points and an assist to go with two rebounds and a steal.
9. Mario Little: Still looking for his first collegiate field goal. Made three free throws and picked up two assists. Threw a pass out of bounds that Dezmon Briscoe standing on Kerry Meier’s shoulders couldn’t have caught.
The Keegan Ratings: Season Standings (total points)
1. Sherron Collins (124 points)
2. Cole Aldrich (123 points)
3. Tyshawn Taylor (100 points)
4. Brady Morningstar (83 points)
5. Marcus Morris (80 points)
6. Tyrel Reed (76 points)
7. Markieff Morris (69 points)
8. Travis Releford (52 points)
9. Quintrell Thomas (36 points)
10. Tyrone Appleton (18 points)
11. Mario Little (6 points)
