Rochester native Melvin Council Jr. shining at St. Bonaventure

OLEAN, N.Y. (WHEC) – From humble beginnings at Monroe University, Melvin Council Jr. has made it to the big stage. The former University Prep star is a big part of a St. Bonaventure team with a great chance at winning the Atlantic 10 and making it to March Madness.

“Took a lot of hard work and dedication. I knew my time was gonna come, I just had to be patient. And now that my time’s here and I’m not looking back, I’m looking forward,” said Council.

But taking a quick step back, Council has experienced March Madness before. In 2024, he led Wagner to the Big Dance. This year, he’s trying to round up the Bonnies to get back there.

“It just comes down to toughness and I try to preach that everyday as a captain. As a captain I just want the players to follow my lead and that’s what they’ve been doing,” said Council.

Council’s leadership can’t be missed and he proved that in the biggest way in their New Year’s Eve game against VCU. Council led the Bonnies with 20 points – the last two coming on the game-winning basket.

“Growing up in Rochester, it was hard and rough and I just wanna make sure that the little kids looking up after me, that they can do it. All they gotta do is believe in themselves and that’s what I did,” said Council.

So his coaches and teammates view him as a captain. He prides himself on leadership. He might be soft spoken, but on the court, you can’t miss his presence.

“On the court, that’s my happy place. That’s where I can show fans that it’s okay. I smile a lot, talk a lot. I want the fans to know that I’m a leader on and off the court. I want the fans to know that whatever happens it’s always gonna be a good time. If somebody’s feeling down and comes to our game they’re gonna look at me and I’m gonna inspire everybody,” said Council.

It might be easy to miss St. Bonaventure on a map, but when you get to the Reilly Center, you can’t mistake a rich basketball history. No wonder Melvin Council Jr. was the perfect fit.