Marcus and Markieff Morris Enter the 2011 Draft

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Both Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor assured Kansas fans that they would return to school and not enter the 2011 NBA draft.

That same assurance didn't occur with the twins. Both, Marcus and Markieff Morris have entered their name in the 2011 NBA draft.

Marcus Morris has been labeled as the most gifted twin and with so many other players returning to school, he could go very high in the lottery.

Scouts love his ability to play inside-out. Marcus has a great jump shot and excels in fast-paced offensive games; very high motor.

Same situation with his brother Markieff Morris. Markieff had a magnificent season where he averaged 13.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 block and shot 58 percent from the field.

Markieff is a solid rebounder with a chance to be productive inside. Unlike his brother, Markieff has solid bulk and will be able to bang inside with NBA four's; although more weight should be added.

The twins are very efficient players and could have a successful career at the next level.

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Kansas Hopes to Return Back to Form

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kansas Jayhawks (18-1, 3-1), before the Texas game, were one of the hottest teams in College Basketball riding one of the most historic streaks in the game.

Kansas' struggles at home finally caught back up to the Jayhawks as their 69 game win streak was put to rest by the Texas Longhorns (16-3, 4-0).

Their 18-3 lead vanished after halftime, where Texas put on a show and scored 51-points in the second half. The Jayhawks experienced roster was counted as one of the teams biggest strengths and perhaps one of the most experienced groups in the country.

But it is still a mystery as to how an experienced team like the Jayhawks, could come on the wrong end of the losing column at home, by double-digits.

"It's one game. It's a big game, but it's just one game," said coach Bill Self. His Jayhawks were out-rebounded 40-33, as well as, shooting 11-of-18 (61%) from the free throw line.

"It was a tough loss, but it's just one game and we can't let it become two," said senior guard Tyrell Reed following his 17 point performance.

But, if you ask POY candidate Marcus Morris, the Jayhawks beat themselves. "I think we really beat ourselves this game," said Marcus Morris. "We have to move on and not dwell on this loss as a team."

"We have to stay together and be leaders and get the team's mind right and keep moving forward."

Kansas has the chance to do just that against a struggling Colorado team that has fell off the radar after defeating both Missouri, and Kansas State to open Big 12 play.

With Thomas Robinson losing his mother last week, he won't make the trip to Colorado. However, the Kansas players will surely bounce back for both losses.

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Kansas Uses Second Half to Down No. 14 Memphis

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kansas Jayhawks reached (8-0) on the season after downing the No. 14 Memphis Tigers (7-1) for the third straight year 81-68.

This was a statement game for Tyshawn Taylor. Taylor finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and four assist, but his defensive effort on Joe Jackson was dominating.

Taylor held Jackson scoreless for the most part of the game, with his only point coming at the free-throw line.

This young Memphis squad could not force enough pressure on the offensive Jayhawks. There were many times where the ball handler made a great lob pass because of the lack of pressure.

That turned into a 19-assist night, as well as a big win.

Markieff Morris scored 16 points, and added six rebounds. His brother Marcus Morris also chipped in 14 points, eight rebounds, as well as Thomas Robinson chipping in 10 points, 10 rebounds off the bench.

The Tigers dropped their first game on the season with a great experience against a top-5 squad. Will Barton stepped up for Tigers pacing them in scoring with 16 points, while adding seven rebounds, and three steals.

Two other players for the Tigers were in double-figures with Charles Carmounche chipping in 12, as well as Chris Crawford adding 15 off the bench.

Memphis leader Wesley Witherspoon turned in another disappointing effort in a game where the Tigers needed him the most. He ended the game 3-of-11 (27%) from the field, and scored eight points, with two turnovers.

With both Jackson, and Witherspoon struggling with the defensive pressure of the Jayhawks, Kansas was able to slowly pull away from Memphis in the second half.

Kansas defeats Memphis for the third straight year in a row. Despite the blemish to UCLA, Kansas has been one of the more impressive teams in the nation.

Memphis was unable to contain Kansas on the glass, and that helped the Jayhawks get over the 21 forced turnovers by the Tigers. Kansas held a 38-26 advantage on the glass, with 11 second-chance opportunities.

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The Jayhawks Determined to Rebound

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

When the pre-season poll was released for last year's squads, the Kansas Jayhawks embraced the No. 1 ranking. The Jayhawks did return their best player Sherron Collins, and Cole Aldrich. Not to mention, freshman Xavier Henry decided he wasn't going to follow John Calipari to Kentucky and chose the Jayhawks.

With such a talented trio, along with a lot of depth, the Jayhawks stayed inside the top-5 for most of the season.

Once the NCAA Tournament came around, the Jayhawks were still the No. 1 overall team in the nation. That led to the No. 1 overall ranking in the tournament, and many media outlets selecting them as National Champions.

The Jayhawks started off the tournament with an easy win in the first round against LeHigh. 

However, their second-round action wasn't a cake walk. The Jayhawks couldn't get the job done against ninth ranked Northern Iowa, and was sent home after a 69-67 loss to the Panthers.

After the season, both Aldrich, and Henry decided their career as a Jayhawk was over. Both bypassed another year of eligibility and entered the 2010 NBA draft. Collins, also entered the 2010 NBA draft after finishing his final year of eligibility.

But the Jayhawks did return significant players from last year's squad, while acquiring one of the best recruits in the 2010 class.

"I think this team has a chance to be very good," said Head Coach Bill Self. "I don't think that very often you lose two lottery picks and your best player and you are suppose to get better."

The Jayhawks will have a lot of new faces on the court once the season starts. However, that didn't effect their ranking at all. The Jayhawks were tabbed as the No. 7 team in both the coaches and AP poll.

One reason, was this year's leader Marcus Morris. "Marcus was our most consistent player last year," said Coach Self.

"He (Marcus) may not have been our best player in every game, but he was probably our second or third best player at worst in most every game. He is consistent."

Coach Self will also expect a lot of contributions from Tyshawn Taylor, Travis Releford, and Mario Little.

"Mario is probably a three-four, kind of a bad matchup big guy or a big guard. And Travis is definitely a tall guard. But I see them being in our rotation and both having an impact," said Coach Self.

The Jayhawks will open up their season on November 12, 8:00 PM against the Longwood Racers. They could possibly be without their freshman Josh Selby, but that will not stop the Jayhawks from rebounding.

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