A college basketball box score can be a maze of things for any fan to look at; a number of stats contradict each other, and the things that you think matter most actually mean little to players and coaches alike.
After Kansas’ last exhibition 71-35 win against Division II Fort Hays State, Jayhawks Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. were presented to the media, and Council gave his thoughts on what he prioritizes after Tuesday’s win.
Council finished the game with 16 points, six assists, two rebounds, and one steal on a tremendous 5-6 rate, including 6-6 from the stripe.
“I'm looking at my rebounds, 'cause I got to be better on that. I can't rely on the bigs or Tre, you know, the guards got to also get rebounds, so that's what I'll look at.”
Funnily enough, later in the conference, when head coach Bill Self stepped up to the podium, the two-time title-winning coach gave his own contending thoughts on what the senior should offer to the team in a joking but subtly serious manner.
“Mel should be worried about assists and turnovers.”
Over the course of the two exhibitions, Council posted four assists and two turnovers in Kansas’ 90-82 over No. 11 Louisville, meaning a combined 11 assists and four turnovers.
The six-foot-four guard is a transfer from St. Bonaventure, where Council emerged as a dangerous threat across the court. In Council’s sole season, he managed 14.6 points, 2.1 steals, 4.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds.
Coming out of the portal, Council was rated as a .9300 transfer, tagging him as one of three four-stars that Kansas brought in the portal, alongside White (Illinois), and Jayden Dawson (Loyola-Chicago).
Expect Council to see big minutes this season as against Louisville and Fort Hays State, Council marked 53 minutes, proving he will be a factor for Bill Self all season.
The first chance to see Council is next Monday against Green Bay from the Horizon League. Tip is set for 7 p.m. CT with streaming available on ESPN+
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