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What can’t he do? Kansas basketball commit Flory Bidunga starring for high school soccer team

By Joshua Schulman

Ben Davis Giants Clay Butler III (13) attempts a lay-up against Kokomo Wildkats center Flory Bidunga (40) on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Ben Davis Giants defeated the Kokomo Wildkats, 53-41, for the IHSAA Class 4A state finals championship.High School Basketball Ini Hs Basketball Class 4a State Final Ben Davis Giants At Kokomo Wildkats
Ben Davis Giants Clay Butler III (13) attempts a lay-up against Kokomo Wildkats center Flory Bidunga (40) on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Ben Davis Giants defeated the Kokomo Wildkats, 53-41, for the IHSAA Class 4A state finals championship.High School Basketball Ini Hs Basketball Class 4a State Final Ben Davis Giants At Kokomo Wildkats /
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Kansas basketball pledge Flory Bidunga has shown he is capable of excelling at multiple sports, whether it be on the hardwood or the pitch.

The basketball season hasn’t started yet, but Flory Bidunga is doing what he can to stay active. He is making his presence felt for Kokomo High School’s soccer team.

After committing to the Kansas Jayhawks in mid-August, Bidunga immediately became one of the most highly-anticipated recruits to ever pledge to Bill Self. But if he had the choice, soccer would be the sport he has a future in.

A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, basketball wasn’t popular where he grew up. If anything, most citizens have never played or seen a basketball in their lives. Although he is a 6-foot-9 monster with legs the size of tree trunks, Bidunga has managed to score six goals in as many games this season.

He is in his third and final year at Kokomo, but it is his first playing a sport besides basketball. “So basically, this is my last year,” Bidunga told the Kokomo Tribune. “I just want to have fun. Playing soccer is something I really enjoy doing.”

“Basically, soccer was big time back home,” he continued. “Every morning, every night, that was like the main sport… thinking about it, I’ll be in good shape when basketball starts. I’m having fun for sure.”

What makes Bidunga’s success on the floor even more successful is that he didn’t begin playing basketball until 2019. Despite being ranked the No. 1 center in the 2024 class and the No. 5 player overall, he is still someone who has not nearly tapped into his full potential. Expect him to make serious strides in 2024.

Considering he’ll be playing plenty of college and professional basketball games, Bidunga has earned the right to compete in the sport he loves as a senior. He has approximately three months until hoops season comes back around, so he’ll have to enjoy his time on the pitch.

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