The legend of Mario

By Tom Keegan
April 8, 2008 | 12 comments

After each KU basketball game this season, this is where you can find out the hardwood equivalent of The Nielsen Ratings from Journal-World sports editor Tom Keegan. He'll rate the Jayhawk scholarship players' individual performances, telling you who was worth tuning in to watch. If you agree or maybe even differ, make sure to comment and tell Tom how you really feel. (Scoring: Each week, the top player in the ratings will be awarded 10 points. Second best gets nine points. Third best gets eight points, and so on and so on. The season standings are at the bottom)

1. Mario Chalmers: Biggest shot in school history. Rod Stewart said of it: “This will go down as one of the greatest shots in the history of the game.” Plus, Chalmers was 6-of-6 from the free throw line. The team made 14 of 15 free throws.

2. Sherron Collins: It was evident he had played against Derrick Rose in high school because it didn’t look as if Collins thought he was anything but just as good as Rose.

3. Darrell Arthur: Had 20 points and 10 rebounds and hit a huge hook shot.

4. Darnell Jackson: Came up clutch late in the game and finished with eight points and eight rebounds.

5. Brandon Rush: Had 12 pointss and six rebounds and made Chris Douglas-Roberts work hard for his 22 points.

6. Russell Robinson: Strong defensive effort. Made the only shot he took.

7. Sasha Kaun: Did an excellent job of jumping out to double team Rose in the first half.

8. Cole Aldrich: Speed of the game made this not as good a pace for him as the North Carolina game was.

The Keegan Ratings: Season Standings (based on average points)

1. Mario Chalmers 7.59 (296 points, 39 games)

2. Darnell Jackson 7.15 (286 points, 40 games)

3. Brandon Rush 6.95 (264 points, 38 games)

4. Darrell Arthur 6.50 (260 point, 40 games)

5. Russell Robinson 6.35 (254 points, 40 games)

6. Sherron Collins 5.94 (202 points, 34 games)

7. Sasha Kaun 5.53 (221 points, 40 games)

8. Cole Aldrich 3.88 (155 points, 40 games)

9. Rod Stewart 3.36 (111 points, 33 games)

10. Tyrel Reed 2.74 (63 points, 23 games)

11. Jeremy Case 2.57 (77 points, 30 games)