Agbaji on top for 4th straight game after Jayhawks’ 71-59 win over North Texas

By Matt Tait     Nov 26, 2021

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Kansas guard Ochai Agbaji, top, slams the ball in front of North Texas guards Rubin Jones, left, and JJ Murray during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Orlando, Fla.

**1 – Ochai Agbaji -** Far from flashy, but efficient, effective and [KU’s leading scorer for the fourth consecutive game.][1] He’ll continue to see different defensive strategies thrown at him and it will be interesting to watch how he adjusts.

**2 – Remy Martin -** He wasn’t perfect on defense, but, offensively, he set the tone in the first half with three assists and then found his scoring touch in the second. His energy and fire may have been more valuable than both.

**3 – Mitch Lightfoot -** On a day when starting big man David McCormack sat for most of the game, including nearly all of the second half, Lightfoot provided KU with at least a little scoring presence down low and also hit the glass and competed defensively.

**4 – Christian Braun -** Shot 6-for-8 from the floor and was good on the glass. Would’ve been much higher on this list if not for the four turnovers.

**5 – Jalen Wilson -** The most impressive part about his first game back was the fact he stayed poised and did not try to make up for lost time by jacking shots and forcing the issue. Finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 18 minutes.

**6 – Zach Clemence -** Ten minutes, 4 points, 3 boards and some valuable minutes at the 5, where he might play more and more if McCormack continues to struggle.

**7 – Dajuan Harris Jr. -** Not his best game, but nothing atrocious either. Took just one shot and fouled four times while dishing 2 assists and coughing up 2 turnovers in 18 minutes.

**8 – Joseph Yesufu -** Didn’t score in 8 minutes, but did have flashes of nice moments. The biggest was on his drive and dish to McCormack for the lob that the big man finished with a one-handed hammer.

**9 – Bobby Pettiford -** Logged 11 minutes and had little to show for it. Continues to make good decisions and doesn’t ever seem to force the issue, impressive traits for a true freshman.

**10 – David McCormack -** The highlight aside, [McCormack struggled mightily in this one,][2] missing five of the six shots he attempted — all in close — and grabbing 3 rebounds in 13 minutes. He’s going to continue to get opportunities because the Jayhawks know what his peak performance can do for this team. But don’t be surprised if they start tinkering with how to use him and ways to get him going.

**11 – Jalen Coleman-Lands -** Played 11 minutes and missed his only shot while turning it over once and fouling once.

**12 – KJ Adams -** Grabbed 2 rebounds and 2 turnovers in four minutes of mop-up duty late in the game. Friday’s matchup might be a better fit for the freshman.

Season standings
———–

1 – Ochai Agbaji, 45

2 – Christian Braun, 34

3 – Dajuan Harris Jr., 31

4 – Remy Martin, 30

5 – Mitch Lightfoot, 27

6 – Bobby Pettiford, 24

7 – Zach Clemence, 21

8 – David McCormack, 19

T9 – Jalen Coleman-Lands, 14

T9 – Joseph Yesufu, 14

11 – KJ Adams, 9

12 – Jalen Wilson, 8*

** Missed first 3 games to serve a suspension*

[1]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2021/nov/25/quick-gamer-4th-ranked-kansas-rolls-past-north-tex/
[2]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2021/nov/25/notebook-kus-bill-self-struggling-big-man-david-mc/

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Written By Matt Tait

A native of Colorado, Matt moved to Lawrence in 1988 and has been in town ever since. He graduated from Lawrence High in 1996 and the University of Kansas in 2000 with a degree in Journalism. After covering KU sports for the University Daily Kansan and Rivals.com, Matt joined the World Company (and later Ogden Publications) in 2001 and has held several positions with the paper and KUsports.com in the past 20+ years. He became the Journal-World Sports Editor in 2018. Throughout his career, Matt has won several local and national awards from both the Associated Press Sports Editors and the Kansas Press Association. In 2021, he was named the Kansas Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Matt lives in Lawrence with his wife, Allison, and two daughters, Kate and Molly. When he's not covering KU sports, he likes to spend his time playing basketball and golf, listening to and writing music and traveling the world with friends and family.