Aussie Aussie Aussie! Kansas basketball player ratings from A to Z in win vs. Manhattan
By Tony Zuzzio
The Kansas basketball team did what I thought they would yesterday, rolling Manhattan 99-61 to begin the season 2-0. If you caught my pre-game predictions, this one played out how I envisioned. They couldn’t stop us down low as we jumped out to a big lead. KJ had 14 points with multiple big dunks, Johnny recorded his first game with double-digit points, Jankovich hit two threes, and Juan struggled from the field and had two points. Now, onto the battle of the Blue Bloods is set for Tuesday against Kentucky.
Kansas Basketball Player Ratings vs. Manhattan
Tier 1: Big Jays
1. Johnny Furphy
The Aussie Era has officially hit high gear! Johnny came in and showed out. He played 20 minutes, was 6-of-10 from the field and hit three 3-pointers. Furphy finished with 15 points and three rebounds. He crashed the boards with a follow, knocked down 3’s and pull-ups, and showed his full arsenal while playing solid defense. He is going to be a big piece for this ‘Hawks squad.
2. Kevin McCullar
Kev did Kev things. He played lockdown defense, rebounded, got out and ran, and hit shots. Kev scored 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting with one 3-pointer. He added seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block to complete his all-around solid game. He continues to be that complete senior leader that we can lean on.
3. Hunter Dickinson
Big Hunter had a quiet game. The only difference is his quiet game included 18 points and eight rebounds. He also added two assists, one steal, and one block. He missed a few makeable shots and finished 7-of-14 from the field and knocked down his one 3-point attempt. He is just a dominant presence and the fact he can get you 18-and-8 on an off-shooting night is great.
4. Elmarko Jackson
Elmarko got his second consecutive start and made the most of it. He showed explosiveness and elite athleticism. When he was running the point, Elmarko showed what we could look like with a facilitator who could dish and finish. He led the team with ten assists and added one point on 3-of-6 shooting including knocking down a three. He also added three rebounds, a steal, and a block.