Kansas Jayhawks Number Rankings: Eleven
A few weeks ago, we started a new series ranking current KU players against other KU stars who have worn the same number. We’ve already ranked all the starters from 2022-23, and if you haven’t already, click here to get started and follow the links.
Now we’re deep on to the bench, and to see how these guys compare to players from the past that have worn their number, start here.
The idea behind these lists is as follows: I’ll list the guys who wore the same number, give a few blurbs about each player, and ultimately find a place where the 2022-23 Jayhawk ranks.
Today we examine MJ Rice who is off to North Carolina State, as well as the many others who have worn number eleven since 1983, the start of the Larry Brown era at Kansas.
Other recent elevens:
Lincoln Minor. Two seasons, 1987-1989.
Lincoln Minor is one of three players that wore number eleven for KU while winning a national title. In his two seasons on Mount Oread, Minor averaged 5.3 points and 2.4 assists per game.
Jacque Vaughn. Four seasons, 1993-1997.
Over his career at KU, Jacque Vaughn recorded 804 assists, a record that somehow only lasted eight seasons. Vaughn was a pure point guard, but he could score when asked. Who could forget his game winning shot at the buzzer against Indiana when he was a freshman. Over his career, Jacque Vaughn averaged 9.6 points and 6.4 assists.
Aaron Miles. Four seasons, 2001-2005.
One of a handful of players who thrived under both Roy Williams and Bill Self, Aaron Miles was a force of a point guard. He obliterated Vaughn’s 804 assists, finishing with an astonishing 954 in his Kansas career. Miles was as steady as they come, always averaging between 6.4 and 7.3 assists per game and between 7.1 and 9.3 points per game. A true KU great.
Brennan Bechard. Three seasons, 2006-2009.
It must’ve been an amazing experience for Lawrence native Brennan Bechard to play for his hometown Jayhawks and win a national championship.
Quintrell Thomas. One season, 2008-2009.
Before transferring to UNLV, Quintrell Thomas averaged 1.5 points and two rebounds per game in limited action at KU.
Royce Woolridge. One season, 2010-2011.
Royce barely played before transferring to Washington State.
Tyler Self. Four seasons, 2012-2017.
A fan favorite, Tyler Self scored seven baskets in his KU career, including three from deep.
Josh Jackson. One season, 2016-2017.
Josh Jackson’s one season at KU was a good one from an individual statistical point of view. He scored at a 16.3 PPG clip, took down 7.4 rebounds per contest, and even dished out three assists per game on average. The 2017 Big XII Rookie of the Year immediately left to play in the NBA.
Devon Dotson also wore number 1. I ranked him in that post.
Remy Martin. One season, 2021-2022.
Remy is going to get the nod over JJ in the final rankings due to the fact that he dominated the 2022 NCAA Tournament and finished as a national champion.
How does MJ Rice stack up?
I would’ve liked to see how MJ would’ve progressed up this list after he plays a few years at KU, but that isn’t going to happen. Of all the transfers out, this and Udeh are the two that hurt the most. Injuries certainly played a role in his inconsistent 22-23 campaign where he averaged 2.2 points per game.
Final Rankings:
- Aaron Miles
- Jacque Vaughn
- Remy Martin
- Josh Jackson
- Lincoln Minor
- MJ Rice
- Tyler Self
- Brennan Bechard
- Quintrell Thomas and Royce Wooldridge
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