During his Thursday media availability, Kansas head coach Bill Self discussed Melvin Council Jr. and his development, hinting at the possibility of an extra season of eligibility.
What we know – and what we still don’t
Self didn’t explicitly say that Council will return next season. The NCAA has recently denied several waivers, including a sixth year for former Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.
“I haven’t studied it,” Self said. “I know there would have to be some things done, and the NCAA has made statements that they’re certainly frowning on waivers.”
Self added that he would be in favor of Council returning, noting his admiration for the guard and his style of play.
“Would I love that? Absolutely.” Self said. “I love coaching him.”
Council is one of four seniors on the Jayhawks’ roster this season, along with Illinois transfer Tre White, Loyola-Chicago transfer Jayden Dawson, and redshirt senior Justin Cross. Of the three, Council is the only regular starter.
Council also spoke on what having another year of eligibility could mean for him moving forward.
“I haven’t looked into that, but I’ve been hearing things,” Council said. “I would love to come back if I had another year. It’s Kansas.”
Council’s production on the court
This season, Council is averaging 13.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, five assists, and shooting 41.9% from the floor. He has scored in double figures in each of the last four games, most recently posting 16 points and seven rebounds on the road against No. 13 Texas Tech, where Kansas took down the Red Raiders in a thrilling 64-61 win.
He played 35 or more minutes in each of those games, reaching as many as 43 earlier this season in a 36 point performance that included overtime against NC State.
Council has led Kansas in minutes and assists over the past six contests and has drawn comparisons to Kansas legend Tyshawn Taylor.
Self also alluded to his role in both of Darryn Peterson’s final two triples in the victory over the Red Raiders.
“The first pass he got him the ball,” Self said. “The second pass, Flory [Bidunga] set a screen and Melvin just jumped up and [Peterson] made it off the bounce.”
Looking ahead to Utah
Kansas will face Utah on Saturday ahead of its home matchup against top-ranked Arizona.
Council’s playmaking ability has the potential to control the game and set the tone ahead of the team’s toughest matchup of the season.
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