Kansas Jayhawks starting guard Melvin Council Jr. will miss at least the next month after breaking the fifth metatarsal in his foot during Monday's practice, head coach Bill Self announced. The injury occurred one day before the team's Champions Classic matchup against No. 24 Kentucky in Chicago.
"Melvin broke the fifth metatarsal in his foot during Monday's practice and will have surgery in the next couple of days," Self said. "We expect a full recovery and we're hopeful he will return around the start of the conference season."
Council, a fifth-year senior playing on an injunction after being granted an extra year of eligibility, started each of Kansas' first two games this season. In the season-opening win over Fordham, he recorded 10 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals. The former Wagner and St. Bonaventure transfer averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over 35 starts last season.
With Council sidelined, Self will likely turn to reserves Keanu Dawes or Leroy Blyden Jr. to fill the starting role. Freshman Tyran Stokes, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, is also expected to see increased minutes. Kansas opens Big 12 play against West Virginia on Jan. 2, with Council targeting a return around that date.
