Flory Bidunga, the Democratic Republic of Congo native who earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors at Kansas, arrived in Chicago this week as a participant in the NBA Draft Combine. The 6‑foot‑9 forward, who averaged 13.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game during the 2025‑26 season, is using the showcase to gauge where he stands ahead of the May 27 deadline for finalizing his draft status.
Scrimmage sessions have allowed Bidunga to demonstrate his versatility, but measurements that placed him a few inches shorter than expected have sparked conversation among evaluators about his physical fit at the next level. Despite the size debate, his consistency in the drills has impressed coaches who have watched his footwork and defensive instincts.
Assessing the Draft Landscape
Recent mock drafts have positioned him somewhere between the second round and the undrafted tier, a range that reflects both his solid performance and the lingering questions about his stature. The uncertainty has not deterred Bidunga, who says he will stay in the draft only if the projections shift favorably, otherwise he may return to Louisville for another season.
The decision comes at a pivotal moment for the Louisville Cardinals, who are hoping to retain a player that helped them secure a top‑ranked recruiting class. Bidunga’s potential return would bolster their frontcourt depth, while a departure would open a scholarship slot for a new addition.
What’s at stake for the draft class?
Beyond personal ambition, Bidunga’s choice reverberates through the broader draft picture, influencing team strategies and the flow of talent into the NBA. As the combine wraps up, all eyes will be on the final measurements and workout results that could tip the scales for a player whose journey from the Congo to the Big 12 has already captured headlines.