Flory Bidunga, the highly touted transfer who spent a season at Kansas, has officially signed with the Louisville Cardinals, signaling a new chapter for both player and program.
The agreement comes with a ticking clock: Bidunga must decide by May 27 whether to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft, a move that would preserve his college eligibility.
Draft deadline and eligibility
The deadline forces the 6‑foot‑7¾ forward to weigh the benefits of turning professional against the advantages of another year in college, where he can continue to develop his game and maintain his scholarship.
Combine performance and physical profile
Bidunga’s recent appearance at the NBA Draft Combine drew considerable attention, not only for his skill set but also for the questions it raised about his physical fit at the professional level.
During his lone year with the Jayhawks he posted averages of 13.3 points, 9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, numbers that have kept suitors intrigued.
At 6‑foot‑7¾ inches tall, he is regarded as undersized for the forward positions in the NBA, a factor that could influence his draft projection.
College trajectory
Nevertheless, the trajectory of his college career suggests that remaining in school may still offer the most immediate path to development and exposure, especially given the depth of competition in the draft.
Louisville’s backup option
Louisville’s coaching staff has already mapped out a contingency should Bidunga elect to pursue the professional route, earmarking Obinna Ekezie Jr. as a primary alternative.
Ekezie Jr., a recruit celebrated for his 9‑4½ inch standing reach, brings a different physical profile that could complement the team’s frontcourt depth.
Recruiting landscape
The Cardinals’ 2026 class also includes other highly rated prospects, reflecting a broader strategy to bolster depth and maintain competitiveness in the ACC.
Pat Kelsey, Matt Zenitz, Chris Hummer, Adam Finkelstein, Noah Weber, Alvaro Folgueiras and Joe Tipton have all been cited in recent coverage as voices shaping the conversation around these moves.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Bidunga chooses to test the NBA waters or to remain in college, a decision that will ripple through both the Cardinals’ roster planning and the wider college basketball landscape.