Melvin Council Jr. Is the Engine Behind Kansas’ Surge - and He’s Just Getting Started
When Kansas took apart Iowa State back in mid-January, it looked like a statement win. But what’s happened since?
That’s been a full-on declaration. The Jayhawks have rattled off eight straight victories heading into their rematch with the Cyclones, and at the heart of that run is senior guard Melvin Council Jr. - a transfer who’s gone from under-the-radar addition to indispensable leader.
Council’s journey to this moment hasn’t been linear. He’s made stops at Monroe College, Wagner, and St.
Bonaventure, and with each stop, he’s brought a relentless energy that’s impossible to ignore. Now, in the heart of Big 12 play, he’s not just fitting in at Kansas - he’s driving the bus.
A Transfer With a Purpose
Council’s path to Lawrence reads like a basketball road trip. After dominating the JUCO ranks at Monroe College - where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer - he made his way through Wagner and then St.
Bonaventure. At every stop, the numbers followed: nearly 15 points per game at both Wagner and St.
Bonaventure, along with solid rebounding, assists, and steals. But it wasn’t just the stats - it was the way he played.
High motor, fearless defense, and a knack for making the right play at the right time.
Fast forward to Kansas, and Council’s game has only matured. Since that breakout performance against Iowa State - 15 points and 7 boards - he’s averaging 15 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds during the Jayhawks’ win streak. That’s not just production - that’s consistency, and it’s coming against some of the toughest competition in the country.
Not Just Stats - Leadership
What makes Council’s impact so significant isn’t just his numbers. It’s the leadership that’s emerged, especially when Kansas has needed it most.
Take the Jayhawks’ recent win over then-No. 1 Arizona.
With star guard Darryn Peterson sidelined due to flu-like symptoms, Council didn’t just step up - he helped elevate those around him. Redshirt sophomore Jamari McDowell was thrust into the starting lineup, and Council made sure his young teammate didn’t flinch.
“I get on him a lot,” Council said postgame. “Like, when I give him the ball, just shoot it.
Sometimes he be second-guessing and stuff, and he didn’t do that today. I’m just proud of him.”
McDowell responded with 10 points, six rebounds, and four steals - a performance that helped Kansas edge out a gritty 82-78 win. That’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t show up in the box score but changes the outcome of games.
A Coach’s Surprise Gem
Even head coach Bill Self admits he didn’t fully anticipate just how impactful Council would be.
“Did I see he could be a good player? Absolutely,” Self said. “But I didn’t have any idea that his impact on our program would be near as great as what it is.”
Council’s shooting percentage on the season sits at 40.6%, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. He’s a rhythm player - one who thrives either from deep (he’s launched 89 threes this season) or slicing through the lane against some of the best rim protectors in the country. His game is built on confidence, and when he’s locked in, he’s a handful to contain.
The Closer Kansas Needed
Kansas fans saw it firsthand in the Arizona game. With the Jayhawks clinging to a lead late, Council scored 11 of his 13 points in the final 11:50.
That’s not just clutch - that’s takeover mode. And it’s exactly what Kansas needs as they push deeper into conference play and toward a potential top seed in March.
He’s the kind of player who brings a spark on both ends of the floor. He’ll dive for loose balls, pick up full-court, and then turn around and run the break like a seasoned point guard. That blend of grit and poise is rare - and it’s exactly what’s made him such a perfect fit for this Kansas team.
The Road Ahead
As Kansas prepares for a tough rematch in Ames, all eyes will be on Council once again. Iowa State will be eager to flip the script after getting rolled in Lawrence, but they’ll have to deal with a Jayhawks squad that’s playing its best basketball of the season - and a guard who’s playing with something to prove.
Melvin Council Jr. may not have arrived in Lawrence with the hype of a blue-chip recruit, but he’s earning his respect the hard way - possession by possession, game by game. And right now, he’s the heartbeat of a Kansas team that looks ready to make a serious run.