M-I-Who? Kansas basketball player ratings from A to Z in win over Missouri

Kansas coach Bill Self looks back towards a referee during the first half of Saturday's HyVee Hoops Border Showdown against Missouri inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas coach Bill Self looks back towards a referee during the first half of Saturday's HyVee Hoops Border Showdown against Missouri inside Allen Fieldhouse.
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The Kansas basketball did not have a great start to the game, as Missouri controlled the first 12 minutes of the first half. KU closed the half on a flurry to go up 41-29 at the break. Missouri tried to make a run late, but led by KJ Adams, the Jayhawks put the Tigers away.

With Thomas Robinson on hand for his jersey retirement, KJ did his best impersonation with a huge chase-down block in the game. KJ has proven that he is the 3rd member of the Big 3 on the Jayhawks with Hunter and Kevin. Kansas closed it out to win 73-64. Reminding Missouri and the world we are the better team and State. Rock Chalk!

Kansas Basketball Player Ratings vs. Missouri

Kansas junior forward KJ Adams Jr. (24) reacts after a Kansas basket in the second half of Saturday’s HyVee Hoops Border Showdown inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas junior forward KJ Adams Jr. (24) reacts after a Kansas basket in the second half of Saturday’s HyVee Hoops Border Showdown inside Allen Fieldhouse.

Tier 1: Big Jays

1. KJ Adams

KJ led the way for the Jayhawks. From scoring to clutch free throws to defense to leading the break and dishing out assists, KJ did it all. The heart and soul of the team play a lot like T-Rob used to. KJ finished with 17 points on 7-for-13 field goals and 3-for-4 from the free throw line. He added five assists, two rebounds, one block, and five turnovers.

2. Kevin McCullar

Kevin had an off night from the field going 4-for-15, but he is a flat-out winner that makes winning plays on both sides of the floor. Kev was his usual disruptive self on defense, making plays all over the court. He finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three turnovers.

3. Elmarko Jackson

Elmarko had his best game as a Jayhawk. He looked more decisive on some of his decisions on the offensive end. Jackson finished with 11 points, highlighted by a 4-point play. Elmarko added one rebound, one assist, one steal, and zero turnovers. He took the ball down against the press multiple times and showed he needs to play more at the point with Dajuan sitting on the bench.