LAWRENCE
Former Kansas big man Flory Bidunga has reportedly found a new home.
Bidunga, one of the top players in the transfer portal, has committed to Louisville according to multiple national reports, including from ESPN and On3.
Bidunga’s guardian and agents did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
After a breakout season in Lawrence that saw him named first-team All-Big 12, Bidunga entered the portal and began a visit to Louisville this weekend.
While the loss of Bidunga comes as a big blow to KU’s roster, it was not unexpected.
After his freshman season, Bidunga also entered the transfer portal before ultimately deciding to return. He averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks as a sophomore. Bidunga was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Bidunga is also expected to feel out the NBA Draft process. He has drawn interest from a number of NBA teams, including several, sources said, who value his defensive ability and versatility. Many NBA scouts view him as a potential small-ball center in the NBA, with questions lingering about his offensive game.
He has most often been projected as a mid-to-late second rounder. It is likely Bidunga will make more money this season as a college basketball transfer than what would typically come with a late NBA Draft selection.
For the Jayhawks, the expectation is both of last season’s starting big men will have new homes.
Freshman big man Bryson Tiller visited Missouri recently, while seldom-used reserve center Paul Mbiya is still undecided about entering the transfer portal.
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Shreyas Laddha
The Kansas City Star
Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.
