The Louisville Cardinals received a major boost ahead of the 2026-27 season as former Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga withdrew from the NBA draft on Monday. Bidunga will return for another season of college basketball and suit up for Louisville next season.
In late April, Bidunga announced on Instagram that he was entering the draft while transferring to Louisville. The Kinshasa, Congo native spent the first two years of college with the Jayhawks and is now gearing up for his junior stint with the Cardinals.
“Louisville signee Flory Bidunga has officially withdrawn from the NBA Draft, source told @On3. Bidunga, a sophomore transfer from Kansas, averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game this season, earning Big 12 Defensive POY,” Joseph Tipton reported.
Bidunga’s return to college basketball can boost the Cardinals’ bid for a national tournament berth next season. In the 2025-26 season, Pat Kelsey’s team made it to the second round of March Madness, but lost to Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans 77-69. They finished the season with an overall record of 24-11 (11-7 ACC).
Bidunga’s Kansas was also eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament, losing to the St. John’s Red Storm 67-65.
ESPN projected Flory Bidunga to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Flory Bidunga was projected to be selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 42nd pick of the 2026 NBA draft.
If Bidunga remained in the draft and was selected by the Spurs, he would have joined a team that is currently in the 2026 Western Conference Finals.
Read More:
Louisville Basketball Recruiting: Ranking the 3 Biggest Impact Players for Pat Kelsey
Will Flory Bidunga Return to Louisville For Another Season? Cardinals Big Man Makes Clear Decision
Flory Bidunga’s Big Transfer Portal Move Draws Strong Reactions From Fans as College Shake Up Ensues
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