Horns Down: Kansas Jayhawks basketball player ratings from A to Z in win over Texas

Kansas basketball came out ready to play and had a lights-out first half on offense and defense highlighted by several big dunks and a behind-the-back setup.

Kevin McCullar missed his fourth Big 12 game of the year with his nagging knee injury. Bill Self said he is "week to week" and is hopeful to have him for the postseason. We will need a healthy or healthier Kevin McCullar in the NCAA Tournament if we reasonably expect to go on a run. I hope he keeps resting up so we have a closer to full-strength Kev for March Madness.

Nicolas Timberlake started in his spot and had a solid game with 13 points and a highlight game. All five starters scored in double figures led by Hunter Dickinson's 20 points. The Jayhawks took control of the game early and cruised to an easy halftime lead of 45-25. After a lackluster first four minutes of the second half, KU got back to their dominant squad we saw in the first half as they cruised to an 86-67 victory. Great to kick Texas to the SEC with a dominant last regular season win.

Tier 1: Big Jays

1. KJ Adams

KJ, playing against former high school teammate and friend Brock Cunningham, came out with a vengeance. He was the typical KJ, flying around on defense and making plays while bringing the ball up. Today, he also did a better job attacking the glass and getting rebounds. KJ was an efficient 8-for-12 from the field. He finished with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and four turnovers.

2. Hunter Dickinson

Hunter continues his consistency, leading the team with 20 points. He did continue to struggle from deep, as he was 0-for-2 from three. Overall, he shot 9-for-17 from the field. The Longhorns did not have an answer for Big Hunt down low. He had 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one block, and no turnovers.

3. Johnny Furphy

The rise of Johnny Furphy continued as he had another solid game. He is becoming one of the most consistent players on the roster. Johnny went 3-for-3 from the field and 9-for-11 from the free throw line. He played solid defense and attacked the boards, getting three offensive rebounds and eight overall. Johnny finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals, and four turnovers.

4. Dajuan Harris

Juan had a solid all-around game. Two huge things were taking care of the ball with no turnovers and aggressive play on offense. He was constantly putting the ball in the basket. Harris finished 7-for-11 and was aggressive throughout, which was great to see. With Kev sidelined, we need him to continue to look more to score on the offensive end. Juan had 14 points, six assists, two rebounds, one steal, and no turnovers.

5. Nicolas Timberlake

Nicolas, getting the start with Kev sidelined, stepped up and delivered. From a highlight dunk to hitting a three and drawing fouls. Nicolas played some solid defense and went to the glass as well. Timberlake knocked down 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one turnover.