It feels like it should be the same story, second verse, but something feels a little different about this win for Kansas without Darryn Peterson than all the others. After the star freshman was a late scratch with flu-like symptoms for No. 9 Kansas' huge matchup against No. 1 Arizona on Monday night, it felt like the game was doomed for Kansas from before tipoff.
After a sloppy start, something shifted for the Jayhawks; a large deficit turned into just being down three at halftime. Players who have stepped up in Peterson's absence before did again on Monday night, like Bryson Tiller and Jamari McDowell, who stepped up in the biggest moments for the Jayhawks. However, no one had a bigger performance than senior guard Melvin Council Jr.
The St. Bonaventure transfer was huge for the Jayhawks, especially late in the game, hitting free throw after free throw to secure the massive 82-78 upset over No. 1 Arizona to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season.
Council has become quite the star in Lawrence, even in just his first year with the team. Council's tough play and ability to make the big play in the big moments have made him so lovable among the fans, and after the upset win over Arizona, he made sure to show that love right back.
"I LOVE KANSAS," Council wrote on social media after the game.
I LOVE KANSAS ❤️🐶
— Melvin (@melvincounciljr) February 10, 2026
Melvin Council Jr. is making a name for himself in Lawrence
While Peterson seems to be the storyline this season with the injuries, but also the elite play when he is on the court, Council is proving there is more than one star for the Jayhawks. Council has always been the one to step up in Peterson's absence, and against Arizona, he never came off the court, playing a full 40 minutes.
Council's free throws at the end of the game are what put the final dagger in the Wildcats. Even as a point guard, Council put up 25 shots, which is pretty much unheard of from a player who is more of a facilitator than a scorer. While he only made six of those shots, he went 10-for-11 from the free throw line, finishing with 23 points overall.
While he is a fifth-year senior, there have been rumors of Council putting in a petition for a sixth year, and fans would love for him to bring back that "Dawg" mentality to the court next season.