Phoenix Suns' Markieff Morris (11) pulls down a rebound in front of Denver Nuggets' Kosta Koufos (41) during the first quarter in a preseason NBA game Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Phoenix.

Not to be outdone by younger brother Marcus, Markieff Morris (Phoenix Suns) came out strong in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Markieff scored six points, collected three rebounds and blocked three shots to start the game. He finished with 12 points (5-9 overall, 2-4 threes), seven rebounds, three blocks and a steal in 18 minutes. Markieff also fouled out for the second time in as many career NBA games (full stats here).

After the game, Markieff talked about Thursday’s game, the fouls and some friendly trash-talking with his brother.

ValleyoftheSuns.com’s Michael Schwartz quoted Suns starter Channing Frye’s take on the rookie’s performance:

“Great job,” Frye said of Keef. “I think he’s learning fast. I think he does a lot of great things out there. I think he’s going to be a great help for us. I think he’s going to be a great addition to this team, and I love being out there playing with him.”

Schwartz went on to say:

Morris played like he belonged. He brought a physical presence down low, gobbled up the boards and shot jumpers with no hesitation that often found the bottom of the net.

If you’re itching for Markieff’s highlights, watch Marcus’ from last night (twin joke!). Or take a look at the two tucked away in this short recap:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Q2O4bgoOQ

Other notes

• Mario Chalmers (Miami Heat) went retro on Thursday during filming for the Heat’s intro video.

• Brandon Rush (Golden State Warriors) practiced with his new team for the first time on Thursday. Rush sat down and talked to reporters after practice. Watch the interview here.

• Patrick James of DailyThunder.com examined some of Oklahoma City’s more, um, important issues heading into the season. Top of the list? “Cole Aldrich still hasn’t fixed his tooth, and his haircut choice is highly questionable.” Read on if you need a laugh.

• Kirk Hinrich (Atlanta Hawks) told Hoopsworld.com that he won’t rule out re-signing with the Hawks after this year. Hinrich, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, is in the last year of his contract and, once healthy, might have to fight third-year point guard Jeff Teague for the starting role.

• As of Tuesday, Julian Wright (free agent) was still training out in Los Angeles, according to his Twitter account. No word yet if any teams are interested in Wright, who averaged 3.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists for the Toronto Raptors last season. The season starts in two days, so we’ll see.

• Also no word on the NBA prospects of former Sacramento King Darnell Jackson (currently playing with the Eurocup team BC Donetsk in Ukraine). Jackson scored 13 points with four rebounds in 22 minutes in a game on Tuesday (full season stats here). If he stays in Ukraine, Jackson will play next on Jan. 17.

• Brady Morningstar (NBA D-League – Tulsa 66ers) will play today at 6 p.m. It will be the 66ers’ first game since several players returned from NBA training camps. You can watch for free at nba.com/futurecast and see for yourself how Morningstar’s recent minutes binge might (or might not) be affected by the return of some of the D-League’s best players.

And check back tomorrow for updates on all the other former Jayhawks playing overseas.

Jayhawks in upcoming NBA games

[Sunday, Dec. 25 (Opening Day)][18]

• 11 a.m., TNT, Paul Pierce (if healthy) and the Boston Celtics vs. the New York Knicks

• 1:30 p.m., ABC, Mario Chalmers and the Miami Heat vs. the Dallas Mavericks

• 7 p.m., ESPN, Nick Collison and Cole Aldrich and the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. the Orlando Magic

• 9:30 p.m., ESPN, Brandon Rush and the Golden State Warriors vs. the Los Angeles Clippers

[8]: http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-am-derrick-rose-bulls-agree-to-new-deal