Fresh off an MVP performance at Portsmouth, the explosive playmaker heads to Chicago to showcase his defensive upside and transition scoring for pro scouts and front offices.
Melvin Council Jr. is getting his shot to take the next step. The former Kansas guard has been invited to the 2026 NBA G League Combine, giving him a real opportunity to put himself on the radar of NBA teams ahead of the draft. After spending just one season in Lawrence, Council quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his toughness, energy, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
While there was some hope he could return to KU, that path now looks closed, and he’s fully focused on going pro. He’s already built some momentum, too, coming off an MVP performance at the Portsmouth Invitational, which helped him earn this latest opportunity.
Council’s game isn’t perfect, as his shooting consistency is still a question, but what he does bring stands out. He’s explosive in transition, can handle the ball, and has the kind of defensive upside that teams are always looking for. At the G League Combine, those strengths will be on full display in front of scouts.
Not every player at the event moves on, but strong performances can lead to a call-up to the NBA Draft Combine. If Council can put together a good showing, he’ll give himself a real chance to climb boards over the next few weeks.
For a guy who worked his way up to the high-major level, this is another step in a journey that’s been all about proving people wrong.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Joel Embiid reminded everyone exactly who he is when the lights hit their brightest, putting together a dominant Game 7 performance to carry the Philadelphia 76ers past Boston and finish off a 3-1 comeback that didn’t feel realistic just a week ago. For Kansas fans, it was another moment to sit back and appreciate one of the most talented players to ever come through Lawrence doing it on the biggest stage.
Embiid controlled the game from start to finish, imposing his will inside while also facilitating at a high level. The former Kansas star put up 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to push his team to a game 7 win. Boston had stretches where it tried to speed things up and swing momentum, but Embiid never let the game get away. Every time it felt like the Celtics might make a push, he answered.
What makes it even more impressive is the context around it. This wasn’t a fully healthy, perfectly timed playoff run. Embiid had just worked his way back into the series after surgery, and the Sixers were staring at a 3-1 deficit. That’s the kind of hole most teams don’t climb out of, especially against a team like Boston. But once he returned, everything shifted. The Sixers looked like a completely different team, and the confidence followed.
This is what separates great players from the rest. It’s not just talent, it’s the ability to elevate everyone around you and change the trajectory of a series. Tyrese Maxey was huge alongside him, but Embiid set the tone that made everything else possible.
From a Kansas perspective, it’s another reminder of the program’s impact at the highest level. Embiid’s journey hasn’t been easy, from injuries early in his career to constant expectations, but moments like this are why he’s always been viewed as one of the best in the world.
Now, with the comeback complete, the Sixers move on with real momentum. And if Embiid keeps playing like this, they’re not just advancing, they’re becoming a real problem in the East.