Major News Outlet Gives Kansas Huge Laud After NC State Victory

Kansas is probably on everyone's radar this season, boasting 2026's projected top draft pick in Daryn Peterson. CBS Sports declared the Jayhawks winners of college basketball after their victory against North Carolina State, but it wasn't because of Peterson.

Or Tre White. Or even Flory Bidunga. It was Melvin Council Jr., who had a career game to will Kansas to victory after Peterson exited the second half.

The article wrote:

"Last season, Council connected on just 29.9% of his 3-pointers on just under four attempts per game. Coming into the weekend, the Kansas guard was shooting 18.5% from beyond the arc -- the worst percentage of his college career thus far. However, that didn't matter against NC State. With Peterson out, Council took over down the stretch and helped Kansas pull off the upset over NC State. Every time Kansas needed a bucket, Council was the guy. The Jayhawks are going to need that kind of production if Peterson misses extended time."

Council scored 36 points on 60 percent shooting from 3-point range. On a night where White and Peterson were relatively quiet, Council had his moment to shine. Although Council won't be dropping 30 every night, performances like these give optimism for another option as the team tries to mold with Peterson.

"They dared him to shoot, and then when he made a couple, he started looking at a big basket," Kansas coach Bill Self said in his postgame interview. "I’m really happy for Mel. He put us on his back tonight."

Self gave Council the ultimate nod, describing his breathtaking game as a long-time coach in Lawrence, KS.

"We had one guy that was probably the best performer that I've had on the road in 23 years as the head coach at Kansas," Self said. "He was unbelievable. He made hard shots. They dared him to shoot, and then when he made a couple, he started looking at a big basket. When you look at his entire line, nine threes, seven rebounds, four assists, no turnovers, and he played 43 minutes. That's a pretty good stat line. I'm really happy for Mel."