Kansas basketball freshman Flory Bidunga has the luxury of learning from a talented veteran big man in Hunter Dickinson as he acclimates to big-time college basketball. His game isn't necessarily similar to Dickinson's, but he can offer a different game.
Dickinson is a wily, polished player with some very specific skills. While he isn't the most athletic or mobile big man, he isn't a plodder either. He's an excellent post-passer and a threat to stretch a defense from behind the arc. He uses his seven-foot, two-inch frame to position while rebounding and protecting the basket. He's not an incredible shot-blocker, but he has good timing and the length to be effective.
He also offers up a lot of swagger, although it is not always in a positive way. Still, teams need someone to push everyone mentally. Dickinson can do this, and he loves the hate he gets on the road.
How Flory Bidunga's differences from Hunter Dickinson might cause issues for Kansas basketball opponents
There is no doubt that Hunter Dickinson is one of the best players in the country. Opponents must prepare for how the Jayhawks' offense runs through him a majority of the time. They must decide whether or not to double-team him down on the post and allow him to pass to open perimeter players or play him straight up and offer less resistance to the basket.
Since it is a good bet that Dickinson will play for close to 30 minutes every Big 12 conference game, if not more, opposing coaches must prepare their players to play against a skilled big man like Dickinson.
Bidunga, however, offers a completely different set of skills. He's more athletic, he brings a level of energy that can spark his team, and he goes after rebounds with purpose.
He is also deadly around the basket. He's Udoka Azubuike-like around the rim. The former Kansas great holds the NCAA record for field goal percentage with a career 74.6 percent. His best season was his sophomore year when he made 77 percent of his attempts. Bidunga is shooting 81.1 percent from the field.
Like Azubuike, Bidunga doesn't shoot much more than dunks. He's a beast around the basket and physical enough to cause plenty of damage. He's averaging a little over 12 minutes a game, 6.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and nearly a block a game. These are pretty good numbers in limited action.
When Dickinson comes out of games, the Jayhawks tend to play slightly differently. They seem to speed up, and Bidunga's ability to run the court helps in this area. He isn't the perimeter threat his older teammate is, so he primarily sets picks up top before dropping back into the paint. With Bidunga, KU becomes a true four-out offense.
This difference in pace and offense look might cause some chaos with opponents geared mainly to limit Dickinson. It is this clear difference in skills between the two Kansas big men that is why they are a perfect complement to each other when Bidunga gives Dickinson a breather.
Bidunga clearly has room for improvement. The game is a little fast for him at times. Once things slow down for him, he'll make a huge jump. He tends to foul a lot if let in too long. That will also improve in time. He needs to develop some skills other than rim-rattling dunks. Azubuike's lack of shot outside of two feet didn't hurt him in college but has limited him as a pro.
Bidunga isn't nearly as tall as Dickinson or Azubuike, so he won't be able to rely on bulk as much. His athleticism and energy level will be bigger strengths than they are for the other two. He will need to develop an offensive game with a range of up to 10 to 12 feet, at least. A nice turn-around jumper from eight feet in would make him a superstar.
The Dickinson/Bidunga combo should be effective and tough on opposing defenses as the Big 12 schedule progresses. It will be fun to see Bidunga continue to improve. He's going to be exciting to watch for the next couple of years.