Kansas received a major boost to complete the roster.
On Sunday, it was announced that point guard Melvin Council Jr. would be returning to Kansas for one final year of college basketball.
Council Jr. received a preliminary injunction from the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility. It was reported by the Lawrence Journal-World that Council’s lawsuit was based around the idea that the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility rule should apply to him as well. It also claimed that “neither of his two years spent
at a junior college should count toward his NCAA eligibility.”
Council shared on social media that he would chose between LSU, Kentucky, and Michigan, but there was no real concern about him returning to Lawrence if granted eligible.
“After being granted a preliminary injunction to play this season, Melvin Council will begin to practice with us immediately, like Tre White did last week,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said following the news. “Melvin was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last season and had a major impact on our program both on and off the court. He brings a lot of experience and leadership to our roster, and we are excited to welcome him back.”
Council began his collegiate career at the juco level. He spent two years at Monroe College in New York before transferring to Wagner. He spent one year there before landing at St. Bonaventure and eventually Kansas.
Council averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game last season.
The return of Council gives Kansas another leader in the backcourt with Tre White returning as well. He will play a key role once again because of his experience and leadership on the court parlayed with his playmaking abilities for a team that is expected to be ranked in the Top 10 preseason.
