(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Despite falling short of the Final Four, the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team far exceeded the expectations given to them before the season.

Although the Jayhawks lost all five starters from their 2007-2008 National Championship team, they rode point guard Sherron Collins, the only returning contributer from last season's title run, and center Cole Aldrich all the way to a 27-8 record, a Sweet 16 appearance, and a fifth consecutive Big 12 Regular Season Championship.

Before the 2008-09 season, the Jayhawks were picked by many experts, both around the conference and nationally, to finish third or fourth in the Big 12, following Oklahoma, Texas, and in some cases Baylor.

The following is a report card on the players who played a factor in Kansas' surprisingly successful season.

Guards:

Sherron Collins (Jr.)

Collins had to endure all the pressure of carrying this young team as far as he could, and for the most part, he came through.  After averaging 9.3 points and 3.1 assists per game last year, Collins was told by everyone, including the Jayhawk faithful and Kansas' Head Coach Bill Self, that he was to undoubtedly be the leader of this team.  Collins embraced the challenged and carried this team to another regular season conference championship and a sweet sixteen appearance. 

The Jayhawks went as Collins went, as their 27 wins were highlighted by his 26 point effort in Kansas' road victory against Oklahoma, his 25 point showing in a 90-65 rout of Missouri, and a 32 point, 8 assist effort in Kansas NCAA Tournament victory over North Dakota State. 

The Jayhawks' eight losses were mainly on days that Collins did not play well, as their three worst losses were on Collins' three worst shooting nights. Collins was 6-for-21 from the field against Massachusetts, 3-for-19 at Texas Tech and 6-for-20 in the Big 12 Tournament against Baylor.

Statistics: 18.9 PPG, 4.9 APG, 43.4 FG%, 37.6 3PT FG% 

Grade: A-

Tyshawn Taylor (Fr.)

Just a freshman, Taylor showed many signs throughout the year of possibly becoming a star at Kansas, but also had many games where he committed mistakes. His year was highlighted with a 26 point effort against Oklahoma, but he was unable to come through when the Jayhawks needed him most in the NCAA Tournament, as he averaged just 6.3 points and 2.0 assists per game in the three game span, while also turning it over 3.7 times per game. 

Although he was often inconsistent, Taylor produced well in many games for the Jayhawks, and the fact that he is only a freshman gives hope to all Jayhawk fans.

Statistics: 9.7 PPG, 3.0 APG, 50.4 FG%, 36.4 3PT FG%

Grade: B

Brady Morningstar (So.)

Morningstar was the surprise player for the Jayhawks this season, as the redshirt sophomore led the Big 12 in three-point percentage. Morningstar was told that he would be the starter at the beginning of the year until someone stepped up and took it from him. 

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