Following Mario’s Miracle in the 2008 National Championship game, Kansas was faced with a rebuilding project. With six seniors graduating and three other key contributors bolting to the NBA, head coach Bill Self needed to reload talent if the Jayhawks were to remain contenders on a national level.
Enter Marcus and Markieff Morris.
After registering significant minutes and showing flashes of brilliance as highly-touted freshmen, the twin brothers made key contributions last season, guiding Kansas to the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. But after falling to Northern Iowa in the second round, the twins were again left empty-handed.
Starting together regularly for the first time this season following the departure of Cole Aldrich to the NBA, the Morris brothers have become the core of an experienced Kansas squad that once again has all the pieces to return to the pinnacle of college basketball. With only two losses at the hands of their biggest hardcourt rivals—Kansas State and Texas—the Jayhawks win with depth and balance that complement their bigs in the paint.
Markieff, the older of the twins by seven minutes, is the better defender and rebounder. In 24 minutes per game this year, he has averaged 8.2 boards and just over one block per game. But Markieff is no slouch on the offensive end either, utilizing his athleticism to lead the Kansas starters in field goal percentage. While he’s more known for his tenacity in the paint, he’ll occasionally wander to the perimeter where he shoots just over 40 percent from beyond the arc.
Marcus, on the other hand, possesses the more complete offensive repertoire. Proficient from nearly every spot on the court, Marcus can extend the floor against bigger, slower defenders as well as exert his strength at will in the paint. Whether facing up or with his back to the basket, the younger Morris has no trouble finding the hoop, leading the team with 17.3 points per game while also contributing 7.2 rebounds per contest for the Big 12 champions.
Where the twins will really impress the unfamiliar eye is with their ball handling abilities. Both possess above-average ball skills and passing ability for their size, and make few mistakes with the ball in their hands. Add in impeccable athleticism, and Marcus and Markieff possess the complete package of skills to carry a team to a championship.
While the brothers from Philadelphia are undoubtedly the focal point of this Kansas squad, coach Bill Self has done a masterful job of surrounding his big men with complementary players to create the most balanced squad in the country. Lightning-quick guard Tyshawn Taylor and freshman wingman Josh Selby can both shoot and drive to the hoop, while senior sharpshooter Brady Morningstar provides leadership and championship experience—not to mention a stellar 40.2 shooting percentage from 3-point territory.
Thomas Robinson spells the Morris twins in the paint and has given the team an emotional charge following the death of his mother early this season. The sophomore from Washington, D.C. has increased his production throughout the Big 12 schedule, peaking with his third double-double of the season in just 17 minutes of play during the regular season finale at Missouri.
The Jayhawks are at their best when Morningstar and fellow Kansas senior Tyrel Reed are pouring it in from the perimeter, giving Marcus and Markieff room to operate inside. Through creating space and sharing the ball, the team heads into the Tournament first in the nation in field goal percentage and second in assists—certainly one of the most efficient offenses in the field.
Kansas is a team with Big 12 championship experience and an elite coach who can score from all over the floor and defend well at every position. For a program that has produced the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Danny Manning and Paul Pierce, the Morris twins are primed to be the next players to solidify their place in the Jayhawks’ storied history.
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