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Kansas basketball: Flory Bidunga recruitment takes a massive last-minute turn

By Joshua Schulman

Lafayette Jeff Bronchos guard Ethan Smith (10) and Lafayette Jeff Bronchos Parker Rosi (32) attempt to box out Kokomo Wildkats center Flory Bidunga (40) during the IHSAA boy’s basketball game, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at Lafayette Jeff High School in Lafayette, Ind. Kokomo won 49-43.Jeffkokomobbb012723 Am12581
Lafayette Jeff Bronchos guard Ethan Smith (10) and Lafayette Jeff Bronchos Parker Rosi (32) attempt to box out Kokomo Wildkats center Flory Bidunga (40) during the IHSAA boy’s basketball game, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at Lafayette Jeff High School in Lafayette, Ind. Kokomo won 49-43.Jeffkokomobbb012723 Am12581 /
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Head coach Bruce Pearl and Auburn have quickly become the favorites to land Kansas basketball recruiting target Flory Bidunga.

There are always plenty of twists and turns in high school basketball recruiting. Teenagers are bound to make impulsive decisions in the very stressful process of choosing a college to play at, and their minds will also change at times.

Cue Flory Bidunga.

Once considered all but a lock to commit to Duke, the recruitment process for Congo native who attends Kokomo High School has reportedly changed drastically. Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils have seemingly dropped out of the race for Bidunga, and he now favors the Auburn Tigers.

It remains to be seen whether this is a corresponding reaction to the news of Cooper Flagg – a generational talent from Maine – reclassifying from 2025 to 2024. Flagg has admitted he is a Duke lifer and would love to play for them. He’s already visited the campus and could be closing his recruitment soon.

Bidunga, rated as the No. 5 player in his class on 247 Sports rankings, received four crystal ball picks to Auburn yesterday. He previously had three crystal balls to Duke until recruiting insiders changed their minds. Considering the change came just two days before his decision day, things are not looking good for the other involved parties in his recruiting process.

Flory Bidunga to Auburn would be bad news for Kansas basketball

While Kansas Jayhawks fans might be pleased to see Duke lose out on a premier talent, there would be repercussions for KU if Bidunga becomes an Auburn Tiger. In reality, it’d be better for Kansas basketball in the long run if he wound up choosing the Blue Devils.

The fact of the matter is that Duke typically prevails over Kansas in recruiting battles. Bidunga seemed well on his way to Durham before Auburn swooped in toward the end. They’ll need to replace his spot at the center position, and their alternative player to Flory – Patrick Ngongba II – has been in close contact with Coach Scheyer.

READ: Class of 2024 contact list tracker

It’s one thing for Kansas to miss out on one guy, but when it affects their stance with other recruits, it makes sense why one would view it as a problem. KU’s other big man target is 5-star Derik Queen, but he is not planning on deciding anytime soon.

We will learn which college Bidunga selects at halftime of the Under Amour Elite 24 game at 7:00 p.m. CT. Although the Jayhawks should not be counted out entirely, odds are looking gloomy for Bill Self and his coaching staff.

Next. Top 5 remaining must-have 2024 recruits for Kansas. dark

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