Future Kansas Jayhawks center Flory Bidunga flashes skills at McDonald's All-American Game

The Kansas basketball program reeled in one of the school's highest-rated recruits in the rankings era last summer, receiving a commitment from Kokomo High School center Flory Bidunga. The Democratic Republic of the Congo native was named the top player in the state of Indiana in his senior year and a McDonald's All-American.

According to 247 Sports Composite rankings, Bidunga is the third-best center in the 2024 class and the 10th-best player overall. In 2023-24, he averaged 19.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.4 blocks, and 3.2 assists on 81.4% field goal shooting, leading his team to a Class 4A regional appearance.

Yesterday, 24 high school athletes gathered to compete in the McDonald's All-American Game. Bidunga was one of them, playing 19 minutes for the West, which fell to the East 88-86 in a nail-biting thriller. The future Jayhawk played 19 minutes, hitting all three of his shot attempts while pulling down six rebounds and recording a block and a steal.

He showcased his athleticism with a block on Maryland commit Derik Queen and had terrific footwork around the rim. His three baskets consisted of a pair of thunderous dunks and a post hook. You can watch his late-game slam here:

Kansas basketball recruiting target doesn't fare well in limited action

While Bidunga looked solid in his outing, KU basketball recruiting target Liam McNeeley could not get anything going. The 5-star wing — who decommitted from Indiana and received several crystal balls to Kansas soon after — missed all six of his shots, including three 3-pointers.

His only other counting stats were two free throws made, four rebounds, and one assist. McNeeley should be nearing a decision soon, but the chatter around his recruitment has died down in recent weeks. This performance does not mean schools will stop recruiting him, but he did not look ready on the court last night.