As is typical in games against such inferior competition, unusual names rise to the top.  So, while normally it wouldn't mean a whole lot to see Tyrel Reed lead the team in impact and efficiency, there is some element of relief for many fans (and probably Tyrel) that he came through finally.  Yet, I can't help wondering why anyone thought Reed shouldn't be playing much?  The mantra after the first two games was, "If Reed isn't hitting his 3FG's, he serves no purpose to the team."  That may be somewhat true, given his shooting is his strong suit, but what would we have Coach Self do, look into his magic crystal ball and only insert Reed into the lineup when he's going to hit his shots?  Why, when we have an entire season of data from 2008-09 showing Reed hitting 39% of his treys do some people all of a sudden think he won't hit them this year, on an even stronger team?  That's the only explanation I can think of when I see someone arguing against playing Reed.  Slumps happen to the best of them, and Reed simply happened to start with a 2-game slump.  He's got plenty of weaknesses, but you can't argue against playing him on the basis that he isn't hitting his shots -- at least, certainly not after two games.  I'll get off my soapbox now.  Reed hit an unbelievable 120 eFG% to finish with 12 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL and 0 TO in just 18 MIN.  Welcome back, Tyrel.

 

The Morris twins continue to impress, this time with both turning in double-digit efficiency numbers.  They shot a combined 8-of-9 from the field.  Marcus had a greater impact because of his greater playing time, but Markieff actually edged his brother out in efficiency.  While Markieff pulled in 2 OREB, Marcus had 3 STL.  Neither was in foul trouble, another good sign for the resurgent twin brothers.

 

Thomas Robinson finally decided to join in on the fun.  Although he shot only 33 eFG%, he controlled the glass with 11 REB (3 OREB) and was a force on defense (3 BLK, 1 STL) while committing 0 TO.  That was good for a double-digit efficiency level and a potential return to some relevance in the lineup.  His flair on dunks was a big energy boost as well.  Let's watch and see what he looks like over the next few games before making too many judgments.  And of course, we need to see more than 2 minutes from him against a non-cupcake team.

 

Now to the other brothers on the team, Xavier and C.J. Henry.  The starter, Xavier, had a game somewhere in line between first two.  Basically, he wasn't a liability on defense but played a strong game on offense.  He shot 63 eFG% (2-of-3 from 3FG) to finish with 12 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST and 1 TO in 23 MIN.  Brother C.J. saw his debut with KU.  And he didn't disappoint.  Though it was at the end of the game, when it was meaningless, he shot 100 eFG% (2-of-3 from 3FG) to add 8 PTS and 1 OREB in 9 MIN.  Not bad for a guy with a knee at 80% and his first game in years.  Wait to see whether he plays meaningful minutes before anointing him as part of the rotation though.

 

Against a weak opponent, it was disappointing to see Cole Aldrich slip so much and to see yet another disappointing game from Tyshawn Taylor.  Aldrich just didn't have the same energy he usually brings and was hounded and double-teamed all night.  He shot just 43 eFG% but contributed 5 DREB, 1 AST, 3 BLK and 2 TO in 24 MIN.  Taylor's problem was a lot of missed shots (1-of-6 from field, 2-of-4 from FT).  Thank goodness he had 0 TO, but he didn't dish as well as usual, finishing with only 2 AST.  All in all, not the kind of turnaround game many fans had hoped for from him.