Louisville Basketball Hosts Top Transfer Portal Targets

Cardinals welcome Flory Bidunga and Jackson Shelstad for joint recruiting visit

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:41am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the abstract forms of basketball players in motion, with sharp planes of cardinal red and navy blue representing the colors of the Louisville Cardinals.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes recruiting battle for two elite transfer portal targets that could reshape the landscape of college basketball in the ACC.Tipton Today

Louisville basketball is actively recruiting in the transfer portal and has scheduled a high-profile visit with two top targets - Flory Bidunga from Kansas and Jackson Shelstad from Oregon. The Cardinals are looking to rebuild their roster after a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw them reach the NCAA Tournament but fall short of their lofty expectations.

Why it matters

Louisville has set a high standard under head coach Pat Kelsey, and landing these two elite transfers could help the Cardinals quickly return to being one of the top teams in the ACC. Bidunga would provide a dominant interior presence, while Shelstad would fill a major need at guard after the departure of Mikel Brown Jr. to the NBA Draft.

The details

Bidunga, who spent his first two seasons at Kansas, is considered one of the best overall players in the transfer portal. He averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and led the Big 12 in blocked shots and field goal percentage last season. Shelstad, a three-year starter at Oregon, averaged a career-high 15.6 points per game in 2025-26 despite missing time due to injury.

  • The joint visit with Bidunga and Shelstad is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Mikel Brown Jr. declared for the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Flory Bidunga

A standout forward who spent his first two seasons at Kansas, emerging as a strong second option for the Jayhawks in 2025-26 while leading the Big 12 in blocked shots and field goal percentage.

Jackson Shelstad

A talented guard who spent his first three seasons at Oregon, averaging a career-high 15.6 points per game in 2025-26 despite missing time due to injury.

Pat Kelsey

The head coach of the Louisville basketball team, who is looking to rebuild the roster after a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw the Cardinals reach the NCAA Tournament but fall short of their high expectations.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing in Shelstad and Bidunga as a duo in the portal would give Louisville one of the most talented rosters in the ACC heading into next season.”

— Joe Tipton, Reporter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Louisville's aggressive pursuit of Bidunga and Shelstad in the transfer portal underscores the program's commitment to quickly reloading and returning to the upper echelon of college basketball. If the Cardinals can land this coveted duo, they will instantly become a top contender in the ACC next season.