By JAMES MADDEN
LAWRENCE, Kansas – Louisville center Flory Bidunga was one of the top names in last spring’s transfer portal, with the former McDonald’s All-American committing to Pat Kelsey and Louisville after spending two seasons at Kansas.
Just six months later, Bidunga made his return to Kansas for the return game of last season’s exhibition between Kansas and Louisville. Battling foul trouble throughout Wednesday’s matchup, Bidunga was held to just five points and three rebounds in Louisville’s 89-83 win over Kansas.
Kansas head coach Bill Self, who has raved about Bidunga’s personality off the floor, reacted to his reception by a fanbase that grew so attached to the Congolese center over the course of his two seasons with the Jayhawks.
“I expected Flory to get booed,” Self said postgame. “Anything beyond that is uncalled for. I expected him to get booed, and you know what? When you transfer, or if I take another job and you go back to that place, that’s what happens. That’s the way it should be. That’s what creates interest.”
Bidunga was met with boos every time he touched the ball, checked in or out of the game and entered or exited the tunnel over the course of Louisville’s win on Wednesday. Bidunga, who appeared in 69 games for the Jayhawks from 2024-26, was also met with chants that Self called uncalled for and were swiftly shut down by the Jayhawks’ public address announcer.
“They’re rooting for Kansas. I understand. Fans are going to be fans,” Bidunga told ESPN’s Myron Medcalf postgame. “They want Kansas to be great, so that means they’ll say whatever they have to. Well, y’all heard what they said, but I didn’t pay attention. We had a mission. We came here. Y’all saw my teammates take care of the ball, take care of the game, so I’m really excited and proud of them.”
Kelsey, who similarly raved about Bidunga’s character and off-court personality also touched on the emotions of a return of this magnitude.
“This place is very special to him. It was a difficult week for him,” Kelsey said postgame. “He knew what he was walking into. It’s college basketball, it’s awesome. I think he’s relieved to have it over with.”
Kansas will play one more big-time exhibition matchup against No. 2 Duke on Sunday, before turning its attention to its season-opener against Fordham on Nov. 2.
Similarly, Louisville will play its final exhibition matchup against Mercyhurst on Oct. 28 before it opens the season against Chattanooga on Nov. 2.
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