While no school is safe from the transfer portal wave that has taken over college basketball, it was still a major surprise to see Flory Bidunga enter his name. After spending his freshman year behind All-American Hunter Dickinson, Bidunga was expected to step into the starting center role for the Kansas Jayhawks.
When he entered the portal, Kansas fans everywhere were collectively puzzled. Thankfully for those same fans, the panic only lasted about a week. Bidunga announced he would return to KU after agreeing to a new NIL deal with the school. He explained his decision to return to the Jayhawks with a few words.
Flory Bidunga wants to keep his Kansas basketball legacy going
“I want to finish what I started,” Bidunga said in an interview with the Kansas City Star. “I had a talk with the coaches. Next year will be different, for sure.”
Bidunga’s guardian, Dillon Craft, also shared his thoughts: “(Flory) wants to finish what he started at Kansas, wants to continue to grow and develop his game. (He) wants to bring another championship back to Lawrence.”
You cannot really blame Bidunga or his camp for testing the waters. After two straight seasons that did not meet KU standards, there was plenty of uncertainty. Even though fans were chanting for him to get more minutes, Bill Self often leaned on KJ Adams instead. Some thought Bidunga was being underused, and maybe that played into his initial decision.
In 2024–25, Bidunga posted averages of 5.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. He showed flashes of elite rim protection and will now form a thrilling inside-out duo with incoming freshman Darryn Peterson. They should give Kansas fans a lot to cheer about next season.
He may have explored other schools, but his heart still belongs in Lawrence. Flory is staying home, so Jayhawk fans can finally breathe again.