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. Mario Little: Made all six field goal attempts, his only three-pointer and both free throws and finished with 15 points and four rebounds in 14 minutes.
2. Brady Morningstar: Played phenomenal defense on sharp-shooter Josh Carter, denying him the ball. Carter finished with seven points, but not all of them were on Morningstar, who had four assists without a turnover.
3. Cole Aldrich: Played terrific defense on Chinemelu Elonu and finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots.
4. Marcus Morris: Made 2 of 3 three-pointers and scored 10 points with two steals in 20 minutes.
5. Tyshawn Taylor: He’s finishing great. Made 4 of 5 shots from the field, the only miss being a three-pointer. Had one really bad turnover and spaced out on defense, but he’s definitely come a long way on his drives to the hoop.
6. Sherron Collins: Got off to a great start from long range and driving to the hoop, but got a little out of control at times. Finished with 16 points, seven assists and five turnovers.
7. Markieff Morris: Played good defense and picked up three rebounds in 11 minutes. Missed all four field goal attempts, but one of them, a hook shot that glanced off the front of the rim, looks as if it could develop into a weapon.
8. Travis Releford: Had a point, two rebounds and two steals in nine minutes.
9. Tyrel Reed: Three-point marksman drives well enough to keep defenses honest, but his defense still needs work.
10. Quintrell Thomas: Played the final minute.
The Keegan Ratings: Season Standings (total points)
1. Sherron Collins (158 points)
2. Cole Aldrich (157 points)
3. Tyshawn Taylor (124 points)
4. Brady Morningstar (111 points)
5. Marcus Morris (98 points)
6. Tyrel Reed (97 points)
7. Markieff Morris (85 points)
8. Travis Releford (63 points)
9. Quintrell Thomas (43 points)
10. Mario Little (29 points)
11. Tyrone Appleton (22 points)
