Bounce back: Kansas basketball player ratings from A to Z from win against Tennessee
By Tony Zuzzio
It wasn’t necessarily a thing of beauty, but Kansas basketball bounced back from last night’s loss to Marquette with a 69-60 win over Tennessee. The game was tied at 35 at halftime, and the Jayhawks went on a run late to put the game away as Tennessee went cold from three.
KU continued to struggle from the free throw line, shooting 50% as a team, and was careless with the ball with 15 total turnovers. They did a better job on defense and moving their feet. We won the rebounding battle overall 45 to 35 but gave up way too many offensive rebounds in nine to the Volunteers. It was a gritty win that we will gladly take over a top-10 team.
These are our three-tier player ratings for the victory.
Kansas Basketball Player Ratings vs. Tennessee
Tier 1: Big Jays
1. Hunter Dickinson
Hunter bounced back after a poor showing last night to lead the Jayhawks in scoring and rebounds. Big Hunt dropped 17 points on 7-13 shooting and had 20 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and one turnover. Good to see Hunter dominate the glass and have a much more efficient shooting day.
2. Jamari McDowell
Jamari continued his rise up the Jayhawk depth chart. He had a solid first half and was the first sub to check in the second half and never came off the floor once he got on it. Jamari played his most significant role as a Jayhawk, being on the floor for 27 minutes. He played solid defense, rebounded, moved the ball, and wasn’t afraid to take and make shots. He is staking his claim to that fifth starter’s spot and has a good chance to take it over with the continued play we have seen. He finished the game with seven points on 2-of-7 shooting, four rebounds, one assist, one block, and no turnovers.
3. KJ Adams
KJ finished strong in the second half as he had back-to-back baskets and played well down the stretch. He finished the game with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two turnovers. KJ was a horrific 1-of-6 from the free-throw line. That will need to be improved upon. The fact he was up when being pressed at the end of the game and caught the ball is not a good strategy going forward with his free-throw shooting woes.