2009-10 Result: 33-3 (15-1 Big 12) lost to Northern Iowa 69-67 in the second round of the Midwest Region.
Coach: Bill Self 409-148 17 seasons (202-43 in 7 years with the Jayhawks).
Fifty-four Jayhawks have made their way to the National Basketball Association. Current players include Cole Aldrich, Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, Nick Collison, Drew Gooden, Xavier Henry, Kirk Hinrich, Darnell Jackson, Paul Pierce, Brandon Rush and Julian Wright.
Kansas has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 39 times winning national titles in ’52, ’88 and ’08. Kansas has advanced to the Final Four on 13 occasions.
Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 11/27 vs. Arizona, 12/2 vs. UCLA, 12/7 vs. Memphis, 12/18 vs. USC, 12/22 at California, 1/9 at Michigan.
Stat of Identity: 16.9 assists per game (fourth in the country).
Key Returners:
Marcus Morris 24.7 mpg, 12.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg
Tyshawn Taylor 23.1 mpg, 7.2
Markieff Morris 17.6 mpg, 6.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg
Tyrel Reed 15.6 mpg, 5.1 rpg
Brady Morningstar 21.4 mpg, 4.1 ppg
By Paul Casey Gotham
Last year held great promise for the Jayhawks, but the 2009-10 version wilted under the pressure of expectations. Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins and Xavier Henry left at season’s end.
Last year’s disappointment could lead to this year’s satisfaction.
Inside and out Bill Self’s squad has a balanced attack that could make a run deep into March.
Marcus Morris returns to the front court one year wiser and a little more experienced. It was Morris who was limited to just four rebounds when Northern Iowa “Faroooked” the Jayhawks. The junior now has plenty of motivation to drive him this year.
Tyshawan Taylor joins Morris as the two retuning starters. At best, Taylor was the fifth option most often for Kansas a year ago. That will change this year. The 6’3″ guard took just 56 shots from behind the arc. That will need to improve.
A year ago, Brady Morningstar was a distraction for the Jayhawks. His off-the-court troubles brought unnecessary attention to the Allen Field House. The red shirt senior does a little of everything. He can knock down shots as he did against Kansas State with 14. His 79 assists were thrid on the team, and he had nine games with multiple steals.
Markief Morris (twin brother of Marcus) brings size and athleticism off the bench. He only played 17 minutes but averaged six points and five rebounds.
The Jayhawks like to get up and down the floor, and freshman, Josh Selby will carry much of the ballhandling responsibilities.
Tyrel Reed brings consistency to the lineup. The snior has been a regualr in the lineup for two years. He can play a variety of roles including point guard.
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