Former KU athlete Melvin Council Jr. receives favorable court ruling

Lawrence, Kansas — Melvin Council Jr., a former Kansas basketball player, has received a favorable ruling in his eligibility case. Council, a senior guard for the 2025-26 season, was granted a preliminary injunction in New York on Tuesday. This means he is now eligible to compete in the 2026-27 college season. While the ruling doesn't signify the end of the case, it does open the door for Council to return to the Kansas Jayhawks for the upcoming campaign.

KU coach Bill Self expressed happiness with the outcome, stating that the team will continue to learn about Council's immediate next steps. Council had previously received a similar preliminary injunction from a court in Indiana, allowing him to return to play for Kansas. The ruling addresses issues with how the NCAA counts Council's junior college participation toward his eligibility, as well as how a waiver filed by KU Athletics' compliance office was canceled without proper justification.

If Council returns to Kansas, he would bring valuable experience to the Jayhawks' backcourt. The team will have three exhibition games before the regular season begins, and Council's potential return could significantly impact their performance.