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Volume 128 Issue 55
COMMENTARY Jayhawks heating up thanks to Ellis, Mason
Kansas is coming off of an impressive showing at thee 2014 Orlando Classic. Kansas went 3-0 and won the title in three strong victories.
Junior Perry Ellis really stepped up his game in Orlando, being named both tournament MVP and Big 12 player of the week.
"There's no doubt Perry Ellis is KU's best player right now" Gary Parrish of CBS Sports writes.
Ellis has taken the reins of Kansas' offense since the Kentucky game. He is averaging 15.3 points per game and 7 rebounds this season.
The lajayhawks will have to ride that momentum into their second hardest test of the early season against Florida. This will be Kansas and Florida's second matchup in as many seasons; Kansas is coming off of a loss last season in Gainesville.
One of Kansas' strong points in Orlando was the play from sophomore point guard Frank Mason. Mason struggled against a larger Kentucky team, but has had an easier time getting to the basket since. One of the keys to Kansas' success this season is Mason's ability to drive to basket and find the open shooter on the perimeter.
Kansas will need to continue its strong non-conference play in order carry momentum into the Big 12 schedule. The Big 12 is a strong as it has been in recent memory, and Texas looks as ready as ever to challenge Kansas for the Big 12 title.
In comparison, Kansas' freshman big man, Cliff Alexander, is starting to come into his own. He's averaging 9.7 points and 6 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game. The matchups between Alexander and Turner will be intriguing going forward, as they are set to face each other at least twice in the regular season, with another possible matchup in the Big 12 Tournament in March.
Texas freshman Myles Tuner is averaging 11.2 points per game with 6.7 rebounds and has 18 blocks on the season. The Longhorns are ranked sixth in the country and are a perfect 6-0.
Alexander's minutes will likely increase as the season presses on, or as long as he can stay out of foul trouble. Against Kentucky, Alexander committed fouls on his first two possessions of the game. If he is going to be an important piece for Kansas going forward, he's going to need to stay on the floor.
The Jayhawks have a few more tough tests before conference play starts, but come January, Bill Self and Kansas will be focused on one thing: an 11th straight Big 12 title.
Edited by Brian Hillix
The Kansas football team wal
Most Valuable Player
Most Improved Player
Biggest Surprise
day, December 2, 2014
JAMES HOYT/KANSAN Biggest Surprise this year.
RDS continued on page 8
Winner:
EN HEENEY
Winner:
MICHAEL
REYNOLDS
.
inner: TIE
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