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Flory Bidunga bailing on Kansas and Bill Self, one way or the other

The Kansas Jayhawks big man is set to leave the program after two seasons.
ByConnor Mardian|
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Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard Dylan Darling (0) controls the ball against Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard Dylan Darling (0) controls the ball against Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kansas sophomore forward Flory Bidunga had to bide his time, waiting behind Hunter Dickinson during the 2024/25 season. Bidugna finished his freshman campaign averaging 16 minutes, with 5.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Everyone knew how talented the former five-star was; he just needed time on the court to show it. 

Bidunga’s masterclass sophomore season had no effect on his desire to stay at KU

Minutes ago, Bidunga announced his intention to leave Kansas by first starting the NBA Draft process, while also keeping his college eligibility and entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. 

Bidunga was the only Kansas player to be nominated to the All-Big 12 First Team after his second season saw dramatic improvements, including 13.3 points per game, nine rebounds, and an astounding 2.6 blocks. Those 2.6 blocks ranked sixth-best in the nation and led the Big 12. 

Bidunga won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year while obviously also being nominated to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team and, most recently, a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Men's College Defensive Player of the Year. 

Bidunga already tested the portal waters after last season, before deciding to stay in Lawrence. 

While Bidunga showed his offensive ability, notching 20+ points five times. His best facets were always on the defensive end, and not just with his high block numbers. 

Bidunga could guard any position with ease, gliding up and down the court, asserting his dominance more than just inside the small painted area. 

There were moments scattered throughout the season where Bidunga’s foul trouble kept him off the court, but as Kansas 24-11 record played out, Bidunga learned to stay away from fouling out. 

As of writing, the natural replacement for Bidunga is Paul Mbiya, who just completed his freshman season, where he averaged just five minutes per game.

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