Flory Bidunga, a 6‑foot‑10 forward who earned First‑Team All‑Big 12 honors at Kansas, announced that he will not enter the 2026 NBA Draft and will instead suit up for the Louisville Cardinals in the 2026‑27 season.
A strategic addition to a title‑contending roster
Bidunga’s decision comes after a standout college career in which he averaged 13.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while blocking 2.6 shots per contest. His 7‑foot‑3.25 wingspan and a 40.5‑inch vertical leap at the NBA Draft Combine highlighted a rare blend of size, length and athleticism.
The Cardinals’ incoming transfer class, bolstered by Bidunga, is already regarded as the nation’s most impressive portal haul. Joining him are alumni from USC, Iowa, Arkansas, Dayton and Oregon, each bringing a different skill set that should deepen the team’s frontcourt.
High‑school recruits and returning veterans
Louisville’s recruiting class features five‑star prospect Obinna Ekezie Jr. alongside four‑star forwards Isaac Ellis and Boyuan Zhang, signaling a continued emphasis on talent acquisition. From last season’s roster, only London Johnson and Adrian Wooley remain, leaving the team with a largely new core.
Despite losing 11 players from the previous year’s squad, the Cardinals are viewed as contenders for both the ACC title and a national championship. Coach Jeff Mansfield hopes the blend of experienced transfers and fresh talent will translate into immediate success.
The move also underscores the growing influence of analytics and player development in college basketball, as programs increasingly rely on transfer portals to fill roster gaps. Bidunga’s choice reflects a broader trend of top prospects evaluating college experiences before committing to the professional ranks.