By the time the 2025-26 season comes to a wrap, no matter how it ends, fans of the Jayhawks will have a new fan-favorite in transfer guard Melvin Council Jr.
After starting off at Monroe University ahead of the 2021-22 season, Council quickly made a name for himself.
Council finished two productive seasons, with video game-like numbers, that saw him average 23.8 points and 7.4 rebounds his freshman season, and a further 18.7 points, 4.1 assists, 2.4 steals per game, and 5.6 rebounds his sophomore season. Ending his career at Monroe as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,400 points and two NJCAA Division I All-America nods.
Council then moved to Wagner, where the dynamic rim-driver put up 14.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals. Wagner finished the 2023-24 season with a 17-16 record. Council then earned a spot at St. Bonaventure, where for one season, Council notched 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
Council’s steady stats finally brought him over to Lawrence, Kan., where he took to the Jayhawks like a duck to water.
Council’s star season with Kansas
Few, if any, saw the potential impact Council would have on this iteration of Bill Self’s team. With one game to go in the regular season, Council has averaged 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, five assists, on a 40.7% rate from the field.
ESPN raves over Council’s impact on the Jayhawks
Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf recently combined for a piece where they overviewed the top 25 transfers throughout the season.
Council slithered into the 22nd spot.
Bill Self has praised Council, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, for his impact on team chemistry and his positive attitude during a wild season for the Jayhawks,” quotes Medcalf.
“With Darryn Peterson's injuries and cramping creating uncertainty all season, Council has been the consistent leader….The 6-5 guard also has started every game, creating stability for the Jayhawks.”
There have been natural ebbs and flows in Council’s season, but it is no different than what anyone else has endured for the Jayhawks; however, it is clear to see that when Council is not able to make his mind-boggling drives to the rim, the team’s offense begins to labor.
Up next for KU is the Kansas State Wildcats. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. CT with streaming available on CBS in what may be Council’s final home game as a member of the Jayhawks.
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