Melvin Council Jr. Brings the Bark-and the Bite-to Kansas Basketball
Allen Fieldhouse has always been a place where noise matters. But lately, it’s not just the roar of the crowd or the bounce of the ball that’s echoing through the rafters-it’s the sound of barking.
And no, it’s not coming from Gonzaga, UConn, or any of the other canine-themed programs. This time, the Kansas Jayhawks are the ones howling.
At the center of it all is senior guard Melvin Council Jr., who’s quickly become the face-and voice-of a new mentality in Lawrence. A viral clip of Council shouting, “If you’re not a dog, you’re dog food,” before barking in the ears of his teammates has become the rallying cry for a Kansas squad that’s playing with edge, energy, and a whole lot of bite.
Dawg Mentality, Delivered
Council’s mantra isn’t just a soundbite-it’s a mindset. And it’s one that’s caught fire both inside the locker room and across the fan base. Kansas supporters have embraced the “dog or dog food” mentality with open arms (and loud barks), turning Council’s fiery pregame ritual into a symbol of the Jayhawks’ grit.
When ESPN’s College GameDay rolled into Lawrence ahead of a marquee Big 12 showdown between No. 14 Kansas and No.
13 BYU, the national spotlight only amplified the moment. Head coach Bill Self joined the set on Saturday morning, and even he couldn’t resist getting in on the fun.
Behind the GameDay crew, the on-court screen lit up with a hilarious graphic: two dogs, their heads replaced with Council and Self. It was a playful nod to the moment, but it also spoke volumes about the culture this Kansas team is building-tough, relentless, and united.
“Dog Eat Dog” in the Big 12
In a feature segment aired during the broadcast, Council broke down the meaning behind his now-iconic phrase. His message was simple: college basketball, especially in a conference as stacked as the Big 12, is survival of the fittest.
You’re either the hunter or the hunted. And if you’re not bringing that dog mentality every night, you’re getting eaten alive.
So far this season, Council has walked the walk. He’s averaging 13.7 points, 5.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, nearly a steal per game, and a half-block for good measure.
He’s not just barking-he’s producing. And his all-around game has been a key reason the Jayhawks have climbed to a 15-5 record and stayed in the thick of the Big 12 race.
Another Test, Another Opportunity
With BYU coming to town, Kansas had another chance to prove it belongs among the elite. It’s a matchup loaded with implications, not just for conference standings but for national perception. And for Council, Self, and the rest of the Jayhawks, it’s one more opportunity to show they’re not just barking louder than the rest-they’re playing harder, smarter, and tougher, too.
Tip-off was set for 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, January 31, following No.
4 Duke’s clash with Virginia Tech on ESPN. And if recent weeks are any indication, Kansas fans weren’t just ready to watch-they were ready to bark.
Because in Lawrence right now, it’s simple: if you’re not a dog, you’re dog food. And Melvin Council Jr. is making sure no one forgets it.