Rock Chalk No Shock: Kansas basketball player ratings from A to Z as KU destroys Wichita State

Kansas basketball took care of business in the first game these two teams have played since the 2015 NCAA Tournament upset by Wichita State.

The Jayhawks jumped out to an 8-2 lead early, highlighted by two wide-open threes by Dajuan Harris. The offense stalled out for most of the next six minutes. With eight minutes left in the first half, KU began to turn the game over and gave Wichita State the shocker as we finished the half strong, up 16 at the half.

In the second half, we saw more of the same as the Jayhawks pushed the lead further. The game never got close in the second half despite Wichita State making their fair share of shots. The Jayhawks prevailed 86-67 in their final nonconference tune-up. KU will take an 8-game winning streak into the start of Big 12 play, with TCU up next.

Tier 1: Big Jays

1. Hunter Dickinson

Hunter made the first basket of the game before he went cold and missed his next three shots. After that point, Big Hunter made it look easy, dominating the Shockers the rest of the way. His defense was solid, as he did a better job of moving his feet. The much-needed Christmas break helped him a lot and he led the Jayhawks with 22 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, one block, and one turnover.

2. Kevin McCullar

Kev did what Kev does. He was all over the place on defense, making plays and getting his on the offensive side of the ball as well. Kevin finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one turnover. McCullar finished out his nonconference play looking like a first-team All-American and a guy who could have his jersey hung in the rafters with that accomplishment.

3. Elmarko Jackson

Elmarko had his best game as a Jayhawk, as he finished with a career-high 12 points. He played solid defense, causing several turnovers and moving his feet well. 'Marko got his offense going in the first half. Like Cookie Club, he didn't just make one or two, he hit three consecutive shots at one point in the first half. Jackson finished with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two turnovers.

4. KJ Adams

KJ had two monster dunks in the game. His defense was on point as it tends to be, hustled all over the floor, and made plays on both ends of the floor. He ended a point away from a double-double. KJ finished the game with nine points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and one turnover. His all-around game was solid today.