By JAMES MADDEN
Kansas star forward Flory Bidunga is declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft but maintaining his college eligibility, according to reports. ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the news on Thursday.
In addition to testing the draft waters, Bidunga will enter the transfer portal, similar to his process after last season.
In his sophomore season at Kansas, Bidunga averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in a significantly increased role this season.
A former McDonald’s All-American and five-star recruit, Bidunga was one of best forwards and rim protectors in the nation this season.
Bidunga entered the transfer portal following the 2024-25 season but agreed to a new deal with Kansas to return to the program.
In ESPN’s latest NBA Mock Draft, insider Jeremy Woo has Bidunga projected to be selected with the No. 44 overall pick by the Sacramento Kings.
At 6-foot-10, Bidunga was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and has quickly become the No. 1 player in the transfer portal, should he return to school.
Bidunga is the first member of Kansas’s team to announce their decision for next season, with many still yet to come, as the Jayhawks will likely lose Darryn Peterson to the NBA Draft in the coming weeks.
Follow James Madden on Twitter
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram
