While everyone assumes that Darryn Peterson is going to be the leader of this season’s Kansas basketball team, other players are impressing head coach Bill Self.
Elmarko Jackson sat out last season with a knee injury, but is fully healthy this season. From appearances, Jackson grew as a leader last year, even when he couldn’t suit up. He was often cheering on his teammates and talking to them on the bench. He’s going to have excellent knowledge of what Self wants on the court.
Melvin Council Jr. boasts extensive college basketball experience. He played two years at a junior college before spending a season playing for Wagner, then St. Bonaventure.
During his weekly press conference, Self discussed these two players and what he is seeing in practice thus far.
Kansas basketball guards Elmarko Jackson and Melvin Council Jr. will be getting plenty of minutes
While Jackson struggled at times during his first year, he was a top-20, four-star recruit. The talent is there; he just had a hard time settling in. He seems to have found his footing and is fully recovered from his injury. Self commented on Jackson’s health.
“Marko’s remarkable. His commitment to get back off of the Patellar tendon, I mean, he’s been a perfect patient, so to speak, from what they tell me. His commitment to the rehab has been, you know, second to none… and he’s fine. He just needs [time], and he’s actually looking great athletically.”
One of the things that really stands out about Council is his minutes played over the last two years. In 67 games, he’s averaged 36.4 minutes per game. That’s a lot of floor time, and it lines up with the level of durability Self likes to see from his guards.
Council comes in with a reputation as being a dawg - an intense player who is good on the defensive end. Self discussed how he sees some of those same traits in Jackson, noting they could complement each other this season. They are the frontrunners for minutes at the two guard spots, along with Darryn Peterson, according to Self.
“Well, I think Melvin’s gonna be hard to beat out. I’m not saying he won’t be, but he’s gonna be hard to beat out. He’s been good. He’s got pace. He needs to get comfortable with me, which I think he’s getting more comfortable, but I like it. He and Elmarko, that’s about as athletic as quick twitch as you’re going to find. And they’re both long, so I see him being hopefully an elite defender, and I see he and Elmarko mirroring each other, and I envision Darren and Melvin, and Elmarko sharing that 80 minutes. So, I’m not saying somebody else can’t butt over their some, but those three guys have got to play.”
These two players are in line for significant roles on this Kansas basketball team. For Jackson, having watched his struggles two years ago and then sitting out a whole year with an injury, it will be exciting to see him make his mark as a Jayhawk this year.
Council hasn’t shied away from being a guy who is willing to push his teammates. This summer, he emphasized that his job was to push Peterson in practice, regardless of the prospect's ranking, and that there's always a way to approach the game. That showed true leadership. Combine that with talent and intensity, and that will earn you minutes from Self.
These comments suggest that Self has trust in these two guards, which is likely to carry over into games. Jackson and Council should be entertaining to watch this season.
Make sure to bookmark Through the Phog and follow us on X and Facebook with the username @Throughthephog