SENIORS
Darnell Jackson
| No. 32 | 6-8 | 250 |
| Oklahoma City (Midwest City) |
| Averages: 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, .626 FG pct. |
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| Major: African and African-American Studies |
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| Nickname: D-Block |
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| Season highlight: Hit 9 of 13 shots for 25 points to go with nine boards in an 85-60 win at Boston College. |
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| Notes: The most improved player this season, from a reserve post player to a third-team All-Big 12 selection (AP).... Shot 62.6 percent this season, the fourth-best mark in KU history. His 58.0 career percentage is fifth-best in school history.... Overcame the loss of his 19-year-old cousin, who was shot in Oklahoma City on Feb. 9 and died 11 days later. |
Russell Robinson
| No. 3 | 6-1 | 205 |
| New York (Rice) |
| Averages: 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, .779 FT pct. |
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| Major: Communication Studies |
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| Nickname: Russ Rob |
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| Season highlight: Handed out a career-high 11 assists in 25 minutes in KU's victory over Ohio at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. |
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| Notes: One of three tenacious perimeter defenders.... Was second on the team in assists and steals.... Finished career No. 7 in KU career assists (500) and fifth in career steals (247).... Only player to start every game this season. |
Sasha Kaun
| No. 24 | 6-11 | 250 |
| Melbourne, Fla. (Florida Air Academy) |
| Averages: 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, .619 FG pct. |
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| Major: Computer Science |
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| Nickname: Sasha (full name Alexander) |
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| Season highlight: Hit all six of his shots for 13 points with six rebounds to help KU get past Davidson in the Midwest Regional final. |
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| Notes: Finishes career as No. 7 in KU field-goal percentage (.568).... Shot 61.9 percent this season, the fifth-best season in KU history.... Lost starting job after five games but seemed more aggressive late in the season.... Three-time academic All-Big 12 selection. |
Rodrick Stewart
| No. 5 | 6-4 | 200 |
| Seattle (Rainier Beach/USC) |
| Averages: 2.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists |
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| Major: African and African-American Studies |
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| Nickname: R. Dot |
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| Season highlight: Set season highs in three categories in three consecutive games (13 points vs. Arizona, eight assists vs. Florida Atlantic, seven rebounds at USC. |
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| Notes: Fractured his right kneecap during a public workout April 4, a day prior to the national semifinal against North Carolina. Had surgery Wednesday to help the healing process.... Transferred to KU from USC, where he was a teammate of his twin brother Lodrick.... Played through the pain of the death of his adopted brother, who was murdered Feb. 20 in Seattle. |
Jeremy Case
| No. 10 | 6-1 | 190 |
| McAlester, Okla. (McAlester) |
| Averages: 1.6 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists |
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| Major: 2007 graduate |
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| Nickname: Case Face |
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| Season highlight: Scored nine points with two assists in KU's victory over Texas Tech. |
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| Notes: Two-time academic All-Big 12 selection.... Played in 94 career games, averaging 1.8 points.... Son of Win Case, the Oklahoma City University coach from 1993-2005 and current coach at El Reno (Okla.) JC.... Signed to play for Roy Williams and was KU's last in-program tie to the former coach. |
Brad Witherspoon
| No. 40 | 6-1 | 190 |
| Humboldt (Humboldt) |
| Averages: 0.2 points, 0.3 rebounds |
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| Major: Physical Education |
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| Nickname: Spoon |
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| Season highlight: Scored his only points with two free throws on senior night against Texas Tech. |
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| Notes: Became a team member after walk-on tryouts in October 2006.... Played 41 minutes over two seasons. |
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JUNIORSBrandon Rush
| No. 25 | 6-6 | 210 |
| Kansas City, Mo. (Mt. Zion, N.C.) |
| Averages: 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, .419 3FG pct. |
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| Major: Communication Studies |
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| Nickname: B-Rush |
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| Season highlight: His 22-footer, from in front of the North Carolina bench, was the biggest dagger in the Jayhawks' 40-12 start against UNC in the national semifinal. |
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| Notes: Became Jayhawks' 49th career 1,000-point scorer early in the season.... Coaches All-Big 12 selection, second-team AP.... Returned from torn anterior cruciate ligament in June 2007 and missed two games, playing 36 minutes in his third game back _ the overtime victory over Arizona.... His 43.7 career three-point percentage is fourth-best at KU....Has had season averages of 13.5, 13.8 and 13.3 points. |
Mario Chalmers
| No. 15 | 6-1 | 190 |
| Anchorage, Alaska (Bartlett) |
| Averages: 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, .468 3FG pct. |
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| Major: African and African-American Studies |
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| Nickname: MC |
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| Season highlight: Chalmers quick three after a hurried pass from Sherron Collins tied Memphis at 63 with 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation. It forced overtime and may go down as the biggest shot in KU history. |
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| Notes: Chalmers was 1 of 5 from three-point range in the title game before the last shot.... Became KU's 50th career 1,000-point scorer.... Led KU in steals and assists this season and ranks 11th in KU career assists (420) and second in steals (283).... His 46.8 three-point percentage this season is fifth-best at KU and his 41.7 career percentage is eighth-best. |
Matt Kleinmann
| No. 54 | 6-10 | 250 |
| Overland Park (BV West) |
| Averages: 0.4 points. 0.7 rebounds |
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| Major: Architecture |
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| Nickname: Big Red, Tiny Dancer |
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| Season highlight: Played a season-high six minutes with two points against Texas Tech. |
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| Notes: Invited walk-on who has played 53 games and 158 minutes in three seasons.... Has made 15 of 27 shots (.556). |
Brennan Bechard
| No. 11 | 6-0 | 185 |
| Lawrence (Lawrence/Barton Co.) |
| Averages: 1.2 points, 0.3 rebounds |
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| Major: Fitness Management |
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| Nickname: B |
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| Season highlight: Made three-pointers late in KU victories over Washburn and Miami (Ohio). |
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| Notes: Invited walk-on who played one season at Barton County.... son of KU volleyball coach Ray Bechard. |
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SOPHOMORESDarrell Arthur
| No. 00 | 6-9 | 225 |
| Dallas (South Oak Cliff) |
| Averages: 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, .543 FG pct. |
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| Major: Undecided |
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| Nickname: Shady |
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| Season highlight: After four straight tournament games with no double-figure scoring, he busted loose for 20 points and 10 rebounds in the championship game, making 9 of 13 shots. |
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| Notes: Third on the team in scoring, second in rebounding.... Named to coaches All-Big 12 team, second team by AP.... Had five double-doubles, including the championship game.... a versatile big man who soft scoring touch. |
Sherron Collins
| No. 4 | 5-11 | 205 |
| Chicago (Crane) |
| Averages: 9.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, .776 FT pct. |
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| Major: Undecided |
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| Nickname: S Dot, Ron Ron |
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| Season highlight: Collins' clutch three-pointer with 1:49 to play in the second half got KU within four points of Memphis, setting the rally in full motion. |
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| Notes: Missed six games in November and early December with a stress fracture in his left foot.... Often got the Jayhawks going with his ability to penetrate to the basket for layups or passes to teammates.... Had 11 points and six assists in the championship game. |
Brady Morningstar
| No. 12 | 6-3 | 187 |
| Lawrence (Free State) |
| Averages: DNP (redshirt) |
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| Major: Undecided |
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| Nickname: B-Rab |
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| Season highlight: Decided to redshirt this season, has three seasons of eligibility remaining. |
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| Notes: Son of former KU great Roger Morningstar.... Averaged 2.1 points in 16 games during his freshman season (2006-07).... An Eagle All-State selection in 2005 at Free State, then played one season at New Hampton (N.H.) Prep. |
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FRESHMENCole Aldrich
| No. 45 | 6-11 | 240 |
| Bloomington, Minn. (Jefferson) |
| Averages: 2.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, .518 FG pct. |
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| Major: Undecided |
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| Nickname: Big C, Big Cole, Slaw |
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| Season highlight: Outplayed national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough of North Carolina in the first half of the national semifinal, scoring eight points with seven rebounds and four blocks. |
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| Notes: A big, beefy post player for KU to build around in the future.... Minutes tapered off at midseason and early in the tournament, but played a big role in the semifinals when Sasha Kaun and Darnell Jackson were in foul trouble.... Had season highs of 11 points and 11 rebounds against Texas Tech. |
Tyrel Reed
| No. 14 | 6-3 | 185 |
| Burlington (Burlington) |
| Averages: 2.0 points, 0.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists |
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| Major: Physical Therapy |
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| Nickname: T Squeeze, Tyreezy |
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| Season highlight: Scored 11 points against Louisiana-Monroe in his KU debut. |
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| Notes: A two-time Eagle All-State selection.... Saw significant minutes early in the season as part of the playing rotation until Brandon Rush's return. Played 14 minutes against Washburn, 21 against Northern Arizona.... Made 11 of 24 three-pointers (.458) and handed out 21 assists in 23 appearances. |
Conner Teahan
| No. 2 | 6-5 | 205 |
| Leawood (KC, Mo., Rockhurst) |
| Averages: 2.2 points, 0.4 rebounds, 0.3 assists |
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| Major: Undecided |
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| Nickname: CT |
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| Season highlight: Averaged 8.7 points in 21 combined minutes during three November victories. |
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| Notes: An invited walk-on.... Hit 8 of 9 three-pointers over a three-game stretch in November.... Played in final minutes of four NCAA Tournament games. |
Chase BufordNo. 22 6-3 200
San Antonio (Alamo Heights)
Averages: 0.2 points, 0.4 rebounds
Major: Undecided
Nickname: Buf
Season highlight: Scored his only points with a field goal against Loyola (Md.) on Jan. 8.
Notes: Invited walk-on who played 21 minutes this season.... Son of San Antonio Spurs GM R.C. Buford, a Jayhawk assistant coach under Larry Brown.... Missed his senior season in San Antonio because of mononucleosis.
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