Kansas forward Flory Bidunga is taking a calculated approach to his future, exploring professional opportunities while keeping his college basketball path open. The standout sophomore plans to enter the 2026 NBA Draft without giving up his NCAA eligibility, while also placing his name in the transfer portal. The move positions Bidunga as one of the most intriguing talents available this offseason, combining elite production with flexibility.
Draft Evaluation and Portal Entry Signal Strategic Flexibility
According to Pete Thamel, Bidunga intends to test the draft process while maintaining his amateur status, a route that allows players to receive professional evaluations without committing fully. He became the No.1 player immediately after this announcement.
By also entering the transfer portal, he leaves open the possibility of returning to college, either at Kansas or elsewhere, depending on how the pre-draft process unfolds.
This dual-track decision follows a defined NCAA pathway. Players must declare as early entrants, request feedback from the Undergraduate Advisory Committee, and either sign with an NCAA-certified agent or avoid representation altogether. Participation in the NBA Draft Combine is another key step, after which players must notify their school of their decision by the required deadline to retain eligibility.
If selected in the draft, however, eligibility is immediately lost, a rule designed to protect NBA franchises and their picks. This system has become increasingly common, offering athletes a chance to assess their professional outlook while continuing to develop at the college level. Notably, Bronny James followed a similar path before being drafted.
Bidunga’s Production and Defensive Dominance Drive NBA Interest
Bidunga’s rise has been fueled by exceptional performance on both ends of the floor. He earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the conference in blocked shots, while averaging 13.3 points per game. Across the first 52 games at Kansas, he became the fastest player in program history to reach 100 blocks and now sits 13th all-time with 145.
His sophomore campaign further cemented his impact. He posted averages of 13.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, making him the only Division I player to surpass 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per contest that season.
His 91 total blocks ranked fourth nationally and tied for sixth on Kansas’ single-season list, while his 64.0 field goal percentage placed him among the most efficient scorers in the country.
Kansas coach Bill Self praised Bidunga’s growth, saying, “I’m certainly fired up that Flory received what I thought should be his. Because to me, he’s the most versatile and best defender in our league. And there’s some other good ones too…”
Self also highlighted improvements in discipline, adding, “The biggest steps I would say [Flory has made are] staying disciplined and understanding to play to his length rather than play to gamble. I think he’s done a much better job with that.”
A former McDonald’s All-American and two-time Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year, Bidunga entered college as a highly regarded prospect from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
