The news broke Thursday evening that Kansas star Flory Bidunga plans to enter the transfer portal while also testing his name in the upcoming NBA Draft conversation.
It’s the first blow to the roster since Bill Self announced he’d return as the head coach of the Jayhawks for a 24th season after considering retirement from a long, rewarding career. But now, one of his key players could very well be out of the picture when he reassembles his roster.
Bidunga is maintaining his college eligibility with two years remaining, but isn’t tethering himself to Lawrence, Kansas, for his third year of college ball. He’s opened the door for competing offers and it’s pretty understandable why.
Aside from the money he could make through NIL, Bidunga built himself quite the profile this season on the college stage.
In his sophomore campaign, Bidunga was president of the paint with 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game all while shooting 64% from the floor. He netted the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award and is a finalist for the 2026 Kareem Abdul-Jabbbar Center of the Year award.
Most draft analysts have Bidunga going either late in the first round or midway through the second. The Kongo native raised his stock immensely in Year 2 and a third year would only push those expectations higher should he return..
Accolades aside, the Jayhawks will look much different next season regardless if Bidunga is back or not. Much of the current Jayhawks on the roster either have zero eligibility remaining or their eyes set on the NBA Draft, too.
Star freshman Darryn Peterson is likely gone, and with the absence of key seniors Melvin Council and Tre White, it’s safe to assume freshman forward Bryson Tiller will consider the portal at least to gauge his national options after a solid first season of college ball at Kansas.
This isn’t Bidunga’s first run at the transfer portal, either. As a freshman, he’d withdraw his name from the portal upon deciding Kansas was the best fit after entertaining other offers from around the country. The very same possibility exists this year, but it’ll likely be a harder sell for Self.
