Jayhawk Trio Named Academic All-Big 12

March 4, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball players Tyrel Reed, Matt Kleinmann and Cole Aldrich were named to the 2009 Academic All-Big 12 Team, the conference office announced Wednesday. Reed and Kleinmann were selected to the first team, while Aldrich was a member of the second team. Twenty-eight athletes were honored by the league.

Reed, a sophomore exercise science major, has been a huge spark off the bench for KU this season, averaging 6.8 points in 21.2 minutes. The Burlington, Kan., native has made multiple threes in 15 games thus far.

Kleinmann, a senior majoring in architecture, has appeared in 14 games this season. The Overland Park, Kan., product made his first career start this year against Jackson State.

Aldrich has emerged as one of the Jayhawks’ leaders this season, averaging a double-double through 29 games. The sophomore communication studies major has recorded 17 total double-doubles on the season and has scored 15 or more points in 16 contests.

Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services and media relations offices, the men’s basketball academic all-league squad consisted of 17 first team members combined with 11 on the second team. First team members have recorded a 3.20 or better GPA, while the second team are those with a 3.00 to 3.19 GPAs.

To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or in the two previous semesters and have participated in 60 percent of his team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

No. 9 Kansas closes out its regular-season with games at Texas Tech tonight and home against Texas Saturday for senior day.