This comes in the wake of last month's reports of several fights between the KU's basketball and football teams that left sophomore guard Tyshawn Taylor with a dislocated thumb after throwing a punch. Police are currently investigating the incidents, one of which is said to have involved as many as 100 people. For that release, click here.
I want to get right down to the effect this will have on the Kansas basketball team. Although Morningstar and Taylor are starters, I don't think the Jayhawks will miss them too much. It was reported that Morningstar will be out for the entire first semester after violating the team curfew, which was made stricter by Self due to the aforementioned brawls. Taylor is estimated to be out about a month or so.
Luckily, the two off guard spots are KU's strongest and deepest positions. With Sherron Collins running the point, there are several players that have seen solid minutes already and are capable of filling in. Junior Tyrel Reed averaged 6.5 points last season as a reserve, and is a similar player to Morningstar. He can shoot the trey and is a smart decision-maker who will play defense the way Self teaches it. Sophomore Travis Releford was a highly-ranked recruit who didn't see the court as much as people were expecting him to in his freshman campaign. He's got the tools to be a dangerous wing player. If he can snatch some minutes, the Kansas City native will show fans that he's more than just hype.
Senior Mario Little is listed as a guard, but played more of a forward role last year. It is possible that the 6-5, 210-pounder could fill in on the wing, as the Jayhawks have enough depth at the post. Don't forget, top five ranked recruit Xavier Henry in this mix. He is an absolute stud and figured to challenge for minutes at the guard spots even before these two mishaps took place. His brother CJ should also be a solid backup to Collins.
I think it's pretty fair to say while KU will miss the experience of these two players for a while, it will be able to do without, no problem. Especially for the nonconference and early portion of the schedule. It's better now than March. Plus, it will allow these younger guys to gain some valuable PT and confidence so that the team will be firing on all cylinders come tourney time.
For a complete look at KU's roster, go here.
What is the deal with Kansas athletics these days?
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