LAWRENCE, Kan. — Former Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Douglas County seeking eligibility for the 2026-27 men’s basketball season.
Council played two seasons at junior college Monroe College before spending one season each at Wagner, St. Bonaventure and Kansas. The lawsuit argues he should remain eligible because he has competed for only three seasons at NCAA schools.
“We’re aware of Melvin’s legal efforts to pursue an additional year of Division I eligibility, similar to what a number of student-athletes across the country are doing,” Kansas coach Bill Self said Monday. “At this point, we’re simply monitoring the process and allowing it to play out.”
The lawsuit, filed Thursday, names the NCAA and Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, chair of the Division I cabinet, as defendants. It accuses the NCAA of breach of contract and interfering with Council’s ability to play basketball and earn name, image and likeness compensation.
Council’s request for an NCAA waiver was denied in May. His attorneys argue that time spent at a junior college should not count toward an athlete’s NCAA eligibility window.
Council was able to play at Kansas last season under a blanket waiver granted to some former junior college athletes. He averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds and was named the Big 12 newcomer of the year.