By SAM LANCE
Former St. Bonaventure guard Melvin Council Jr. is transferring to Kansas, he announced via Instagram live on Wednesday.
Council — the 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard from Rochester (NY) — was the leading scorer and assister for the Bonnies last season. He averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals while shooting 43.5% from the field and 29.9% from 3-point range.
“We’re very excited to announce Melvin Council Jr. has signed,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “He’s a 6-4, long, rangy guard that can play with the ball and without the ball. Melvin will remind our fans physically and athletically of Tyshawn Taylor. He’s a superior athlete who can score the ball and has the potential to be one of the more elite defenders that we’ve had in recent memory. He’s been very well drilled and well coached at Monroe (College), Wagner (College) and Saint Bonaventure. We could not be more excited to have him in the fold.”
𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱.
Melvin Council Jr.
Rochester, NY#RockChalk x @melvincounciljr pic.twitter.com/yTfETgIlaM
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) April 16, 2025
The guard started his career at the JUCO level, playing at Monroe College from 2021-23. Council then transferred to Wagner for the 2023-24 season, where he earned First Team All-NEC honors. Wagner ended up in the NCAA Tournament that season, and Council had a historic performance in the First Four vs. Howard. He became the first NCAA Tournament player since assists became official in 1984 to record 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists, while shooting over 50% from the field, playing all 40 minutes, and committing no fouls.
Council’s play at St. Bonaventure last year was good for Atlantic 10 All-Conference Third Team honors. He finished top-15 in conference scoring, top-five in assists and assist to turnover ratio and No. 2 in steals per game. Council took his visit to Lawrence the weekend of April 12, and he went viral amongst Kansas fans for a video from his trip.
Melvin Council on his visit
“If you wanna be a dog, the you gotta be a dog. If you not a dog, then what are you??”
“Dog food.”
It’s official: Need this dude at Kansas.
— Mike Vernon (@M_Vernon) April 14, 2025
Kansas now has a third portal addition this offseason. Council joins a portal class featuring former Loyola Chicago guard Jayden Dawson and former Illinois forward Tre White. The Jayhawks are bringing in three freshman next season: No. 1 overall prospect Darryn Peterson, five-star forward Bryson Tiller and four-star forward Samis Calderon. Set to return is big man Flory Bidunga, and two guards in Elmarko Jackson and Jamari McDowell.
The Jayhawks still have spots to fill with eight players on the roster.
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