Imagine a basketball player who had been struggling with his three-point shot all season, only to suddenly explode for a career-best performance when his team needed it most. That's exactly what happened to Melvin Council Jr. during KU's thrilling overtime victory, a night that will go down in Jayhawks lore. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it sheer determination, or did NC State's defensive strategy backfire spectacularly? Let's dive in.
On a chilly December night in Raleigh, North Carolina, Council, a 6-foot-4 senior, silenced his doubters with a jaw-dropping 36-point performance, including a staggering nine three-pointers. This wasn't just any game—it was a 77-76 overtime nail-biter against NC State, where every point mattered, especially after freshman sensation Darryn Peterson left the game with a lingering hamstring injury.
Hall of Fame coach Bill Self couldn't contain his praise, calling Council's performance "unbelievable." And unbelievable it was. Council, who had been averaging a modest 10.7 points in his first 10 games since transferring from St. Bonaventure, had never scored more than 17 points in a game this season. His three-point shooting had been particularly lackluster, with a mere 27.3% success rate in Division I play, including a dismal 5-for-27 start at Kansas.
NC State, led by first-year coach Will Wade, a known analytics enthusiast, seemed to have a plan: dare Council to shoot. They left him unguarded on the wings, a strategy that had worked in the past. And this is the part most people miss: Council had been getting pep talks from none other than Mario Chalmers, the KU legend who hit the game-tying three-pointer in the 2008 NCAA championship. Chalmers' advice? "Be aggressive, shoot the ball."
Council took that advice to heart. In the first half alone, he knocked down four three-pointers, matching his career high. By the time NC State adjusted their defense, Council was already in the zone. He scored the last 13 points of regulation for Kansas, including three crucial threes, and continued his heroics in overtime, hitting a dagger three-pointer off a soft switch to give the Jayhawks a 69-68 lead. His final stat line? 13-of-27 shooting, 9-of-15 from three-point range, seven rebounds, and four assists in 43 minutes.
Here's the controversial question: Did NC State underestimate Council, or did he simply rise to the occasion? Wade admitted they adjusted after Council's third three, but by then, the damage was done. Council's performance wasn't just a personal triumph; it was a masterclass in resilience and confidence. As teammate Flory Bidunga put it, "That's a bad man right here. I'm really impressed."
Council's night wasn't just about the numbers, though they were impressive. His nine three-pointers are the second-most in KU history, trailing only Terry Brown's 11 in 1991. He became just the fourth KU player since 1996-97 to score at least 36 points in a road game. But more importantly, he carried his team when they needed him most, proving that sometimes, all it takes is one unbelievable night to change the narrative.
So, what do you think? Was NC State's defensive strategy a miscalculation, or did Council simply defy the odds? Let us know in the comments!
