The college basketball transfer portal doesn't open up until Tuesday, but plenty of impact players are making headlines by announcing their plans to test the portal waters. Among those players is Kansas star Flory Bidunga, who seems determined to leave Kansas one way or another.
On Thursday, Bidunga announced that he plans to leave Kansas first through the NBA Draft process, but also plans to keep his college eligibility by entering the transfer portal. It's clear that the talented sophomore is keeping all available options open, but none of those options involve returning to Lawrence for his junior season.
If Bidunga doesn't make the jump to the NBA and returns to college basketball next season, could his Indiana ties lead him to Bloomington?
Sources: Kansas sophomore Flory Bidunga intends to declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He also intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, as he’s keeping open the option to return to college. pic.twitter.com/KRBPMBB3JO
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 3, 2026
Flory Bidunga's ties to the Hoosier State present an interesting opportunity for Darian DeVries
Budinga grew up in Kinshasa, Democractic Republic of the Congo, but at age 15, enrolled at Kokomo High School through the school's International Baccalaureate program. He played three seasons in Kokomo, earning Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year honors during his junior and senior seasons. He was also named a McDonald's All-American and Mr. Basketball for the state of Indiana in his senior year.
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A consensus 5-star prospect, Bidunga drew the interest of Power 4 teams across the country. He eventually wound up in Lawrence playing for Bill Self and the Jayhawks.
After averaging 5.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game during his freshman season playing behind Hunter Dickinson, Bidunga entered the portal. He chose to come back to Kansas for his sophomore season, and flourished in a bigger role with the Jayhawks.
Bidunga's presence would solve a glaring issue for Indiana next season
Bidunga started all 34 games this season, and saw his minutes increase from 16.3 last season to 31.5 this season. He took advantage of the extra opportunity, as he averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. For his efforts, he won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Award, was nominated to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, and was named a finalist for the 2026 Naismith Men's College Defensive Player of the Year.Â
Owning a massive 6'10" 235-pound frame, Bidunga's presence would solve a glaring issue for Indiana next season. The Hoosiers lacked a true center this past season, and Bidunga's size, strength, and athleticism could make for a perfect fit for the Hoosiers in Year 2 of the DeVries era. DeVries has already stated that improving IU's front court is a top priority for the offseason, and Bidunga could present a great opportunity.
If he doesn't go to the NBA and winds up in the portal, Indiana needs to pursue every possible angle in his recruitment. As one of the biggest names on the market, Bidunga would figure to drive plenty of interest and a high price tag along with it. However, if DeVries wants to get the IU basketball program out of the lull it's been in, getting a guy like Bidunga would be an overwhelming victory.