We’re officially seven days away from the start of the 2025-26 college basketball season, and just one day away from KU’s second exhibition game against Fort Hays State. Today, it’s time to turn our focus to incoming senior transfer Melvin Council Jr.
The 6-foot-4 combo guard from Rochester, New York, enters the season with one year of eligibility remaining and stands out as one of Bill Self’s most important portal additions.
Before arriving at Kansas, Council Jr. played at several previous stops. He graduated high school as an unranked prospect with no offers, prompting him to begin his college career at Monroe College (JUCO) in New Rochelle, New York. Despite spending just two seasons there, he became the program’s all-time leading scorer and earned NJCAA All-American selections both years.
Heading into his junior year, Council Jr. received offers from NCAA Division I schools, including Coastal Carolina, Hampton, Manhattan, and Wagner. He ultimately decided to stay close to home, committing to play at Wagner in Staten Island.
While at Wagner, he averaged 14.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, leading his team to an NCAA tournament appearance, earning All-Northeast Conference First-Team honors.
He then elected to transfer to St Bonaventure (N.Y.), where he played last season. While with the Bonnies, he put up 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, earning a spot on the All-Atlantic 10 Third Team.
When he entered the transfer portal this past spring, Council Jr. knew he was flying under the radar because of his relatively unknown background. After being contacted by Bill Self and Kansas, he made the trip to Lawrence for a visit. He understood that very few people from where he grew up ever get the chance to play for a program like KU.
During his visit, he was reportedly in awe walking through Allen Fieldhouse for the first time, according to 247Sports.
“l just caught butterflies, goosebumps. I told my mom, ‘this is the one.’ I wanted to sign after dinner.”
Now arriving in Lawrence for the upcoming season, this will be the first time Council Jr. has played for a team outside his home state of New York. He’ll undoubtedly be playing under the brightest spotlight of his career, and he seems more than ready for the challenge.
He can really score the ball, but he’s even more gifted on the defensive end. His athleticism, length, and versatility allow him to guard anyone. from point guards to power forwards. When you combine that with his fierce mentality and tireless work ethic, he quickly becomes an especially intriguing piece for this Kansas team.
The wing also brings a great personality to the locker room, something KU has somewhat lacked in recent seasons. He seamlessly meshes with his teammates and actively works to build trust with them both on and off the court.
When Andrew Vines asked Council Jr. what he wanted people to know about him, he replied, “I’m a goofy person. I live, sleep and breathe basketball and it’s going to be a fun time watching me play… I can provide leadership, and tell them defense wins games. No matter what you do on offense, it’s next play because defense and rebounding is always going to win games.”
Based on those words, he seems like a perfect fit for the Bill Self system. He’s expected to be in the starting rotation to begin the season and should play a major role throughout the year.
Could Melvin Council Jr. be the X-factor for the new Kansas basketball squad?
Make sure to bookmark Through the Phog and follow us on X and Facebook with the username @Throughthephog