Kansas got an early look at what Melvin Council Jr. and Trey Kaufman-Renn can bring, and Bill Self is convinced there’s more in the tank.
After the Jayhawks rolled past Fordham 95-65 on Nov. 2, Self pointed to the two experienced newcomers as players who are already helping but still settling in. Kansas got production from both in the opener, yet the coach made it clear he sees another gear.
“I think [Council] played pretty well tonight. I still think there’s another step he can get to, and certainly with Kaufman-Renn there is as well. Those guys are fitting in nicely, but I still don’t think we’re totally comfortable with that yet,” Self said.
Council delivered a strong debut as one of Kansas’ veteran guards, posting 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds. That kind of all-around line gives the Jayhawks a steady presence, but Self believes the guard can still push his game further and help unlock more on the offensive end.
Kaufman-Renn’s first game in a Kansas uniform came after he sat out the exhibition games while getting into playing shape, and he made a solid first impression. The former Purdue forward put up nine points, five rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes against Fordham.
KU Sports noted that his ability to connect with teammates stood out during the game. His passing, decision-making and feel for the game give Kansas another option in the frontcourt, and Self was especially taken with the way he processes the game.
“He just knows how to play,” Self said when discussing Kaufman-Renn’s potential role.
Self also said Kaufman-Renn was already calling out plays despite having spent only a short time with the team, a sign of how quickly he has picked up the system. That kind of experience could matter a lot as Kansas keeps sorting out its rotation and building chemistry with a roster that has several players competing for minutes.
The Jayhawks showed plenty of firepower against Fordham, shooting 58% from the field and piling up 95 points. Even so, Self’s comments made it clear he views the opener as just a starting point.
For Kansas, the encouraging part is simple: Council and Kaufman-Renn are already contributing. If they do find that next level Self talked about, the Jayhawks could become a much more difficult team to deal with as the season moves along.
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