Flory Bidunga enters transfer portal after departure from Kansas

The star center is also declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements and skills of a basketball player, with sharp planes of crimson red and royal blue representing the Kansas Jayhawks' colors.Bidunga's departure creates a void in the middle for the Jayhawks, who must now rebuild their roster around a new core of players.Lawrence Today

Kansas center Flory Bidunga has announced his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal and declare for the 2023 NBA Draft. Bidunga, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, started 34 games for the Jayhawks last season, averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.

Why it matters

Bidunga's decision to transfer is a significant blow to the Kansas basketball program, which is already losing several key players from last season's roster. As one of the top centers in college basketball, Bidunga will be a highly sought-after transfer target for many elite programs.

The details

Bidunga, a sophomore, is entering the transfer portal while also declaring for the NBA Draft. This marks the second straight offseason that he has explored his options, after opting to return to Kansas last year. Despite the departure of head coach Bill Self's health issues, Bidunga has decided to leave the Jayhawks and explore other opportunities.

  • Bidunga plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
  • Bidunga will also go through the NBA Draft process to get feedback from scouts and teams before making a decision on his future.

The players

Flory Bidunga

A sophomore center who was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the National Defensive Player of the Year award. He started 34 games for Kansas last season, averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who announced his return to the team on Wednesday despite ongoing health issues.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While Bidunga is entering the portal he will also go through the NBA Draft process to get feedback from scouts and teams before making a decision on his future.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

Bidunga will go through the NBA Draft process and receive feedback from scouts and teams before deciding whether to remain in the draft or return to college basketball.

The takeaway

Bidunga's decision to enter the transfer portal is a significant loss for the Kansas basketball program, which will have to retool its roster with the departure of several key players. As one of the top centers in college basketball, Bidunga will be a highly sought-after transfer target for many elite programs.