Kansas Center Flory Bidunga Enters NBA Draft, Transfer Portal

The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is unlikely to return to the Jayhawks for his junior season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:37am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player's movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the complex decision-making process surrounding Flory Bidunga's future.Bidunga's NBA Draft declaration and transfer portal entry signal an uncertain future for the Kansas star.Kansas City Today

Kansas sophomore center Flory Bidunga has entered both the NBA Draft and the transfer portal, signaling he is likely to leave the Jayhawks program. Bidunga, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game this past season.

Why it matters

Bidunga's decision to test the NBA waters while also entering the transfer portal makes it highly unlikely he will return to Kansas for his junior year. The 6-foot-9 center was a key part of the Jayhawks' frontcourt, and his departure would be a significant loss for the program.

The details

Bidunga, a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emerged as a star in his second season at Kansas. He won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award after anchoring the Jayhawks' defense and averaging a conference-high 2.6 blocks per game. However, his undersized frame at 220 pounds and limited offensive game outside the paint have made NBA scouts wary of his pro potential.

  • Bidunga entered the transfer portal on April 3, 2026.
  • Players have until May 27, 2026 to withdraw from the NBA Draft.

The players

Flory Bidunga

A 6-foot-9, 220-pound sophomore center who was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game for the Kansas Jayhawks.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Bidunga will enter the transfer portal and test the NBA Draft waters.”

— Joe Tipton, Reporter

What’s next

Bidunga has until May 27 to withdraw from the NBA Draft and decide whether to return to Kansas or transfer to another school.

The takeaway

Bidunga's decision to enter both the NBA Draft and the transfer portal signals that he is likely to leave Kansas, dealing a significant blow to the Jayhawks' frontcourt. While a return to Lawrence is still possible, it appears improbable given Bidunga's previous history of exploring transfer options.