LAWRENCE, Kan. — Melvin Council Jr. is returning to Kansas for another season after receiving a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, becoming the second Jayhawks men's basketball player to regain eligibility through the courts.
Kansas announced Council's return Sunday morning, just days after a New York judge granted the veteran guard an injunction allowing him to pursue a sixth season of college basketball.
Council joins teammate Tre White, who recently received a similar injunction in Indiana, giving coach Bill Self two experienced players back ahead of the 2026-27 season.
"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," Self said in a statement. "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 averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds during the 2025-26 season, providing leadership and serving as Kansas' primary point guard. One of his biggest performances came against N.C. State, when he scored 36 points and connected on nine 3-pointers in a one-point road victory.
Before arriving at Kansas, Council played at Monroe College, Wagner and St. Bonaventure.
Following the Jayhawks' second-round NCAA Tournament exit, Council participated in the Portsmouth Invitational but was not selected in the 2026 NBA Draft. He later appeared in three NBA Summer League games with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 8.0 points and 3.7 assists.
Council initially challenged the NCAA's eligibility rules in Douglas County, Kansas, before withdrawing that lawsuit and filing in his home state of New York. His legal argument centers on whether his two seasons at the junior college level should count against his NCAA eligibility. Council contends that pending criminal charges, of which he was later cleared, limited his college options and led him to attend a junior college.
Monroe County Judge Daniel J. Doyle granted Council's preliminary injunction Tuesday, raising concerns about the NCAA's handling of his eligibility waiver requests following last season.
The length of the injunction remains uncertain. Doyle directed Council's attorneys to prepare an order and circulate it to opposing counsel before submitting it to the court by Oct. 27. The NCAA had not filed an appeal as of the latest reported court activity.
Council's return also completes Kansas' available roster. He and White are expected to occupy the Jayhawks' 14th and 15th spots once Council enrolls for the second eight-week session of the fall semester. Self has previously indicated Kansas cannot exceed the 15-player limit.
On the court, Council figures to compete for a starting role alongside a guard rotation that includes freshman Taylen Kinney and Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden Jr.
Council briefly fueled speculation Saturday night by suggesting he was considering Kentucky, LSU and Michigan before revealing he would return to Lawrence.