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The Paul Mbiya drama ends at the last minute with a major win for Kansas

The Kansas Jayhawks were able to retain a much-needed piece ahead of next season in Mbiya
ByConnor Mardian|
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Mar 20, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) and center Paul Mbiya (34) react in the first half against the California Baptist Lancers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) and center Paul Mbiya (34) react in the first half against the California Baptist Lancers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

When it was announced that Kansas forward Flory Bidunga would be entering the portal, it was a pretty massive shock as the sophomore immediately jumped to the top of every transfer board, and deservedly so. 

Bidunga’s decision to exit the program immediately put Lawrence’s eyes on the freshman center Paul Mbiya as the one to take the mantle for next season. 

Mbiya then announced his intention to hit the portal, and things quickly got out of control. The Jayhawks then began to scramble for someone who could fill in the gap. 

However, Mbiya never officially entered the portal, leaving it up in the air for a potential return.

A return that finally came to fruition just minutes ago.

What does Mbiya’s return mean to Kansas?


While Mbiya likely does not replicate the impact of Bidunga, his familiarity with Bill Self’s system is a massive plus. 

Mbiya also performed well in his spurts off the bench last season, oftentimes having to fill in for Bidunga, when the now-Louisville player was sent to the bench thanks to foul trouble.

The seven-footer’s best performances came in the Jayhawks’ last two games, the first a stellar eight-point and three-rebound outing in eight minutes against Cal Baptist, Kansas’ round of 64 opponent in last season’s NCAA Tournament. 

Mbiya then followed it up with four points and six rebounds when the Jayhawks lost to St. John’s in the round of 32. 

Mbiya finished the season with 26 total points, five blocks, 30 rebounds, and a 68.8% field goal rate. His 16 personal fouls are a slight concern, but Bidunga showed a big increase in his ability to avoid fouls as last season wore on, so Kansas fans will be hoping the same for Mbiya. 

Ultimately, Mbiya will likely be Kansas’ starting center next season, which by no means is a bad thing. The Jayhawks have been linked with several potential backups over the coming days, and getting a one-two punch from the center position next season would be a welcome after a few days of worries over who will play the five.

Davion Adkins, the nation's 70th-ranked player according to 247Sports, is currently Kansas' only backup center

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