Congolese Euroleague star Paul Mbiya was supposed to go to NC State next season, but has since decommitted from the Wolfpack. This was revealed by On3’s Joe Tipton, who also confirmed that the 6’11 center has now reopened his recruitment.
Paul Mbiya, originally from the Congo in Africa, played with the French pro team ASVEL Villeurbanne. The team is owned by none other than former NBA champion and French basketball legend Tony Parker. With his 7’7 wingspan and height, a lot of teams may be interested in recruiting such a big man.
Two early schools to watch for former NC State big man Paul Mbiya (On3+): https://t.co/0ocBMZCWUS https://t.co/qW85J4TBTh pic.twitter.com/cmX9gvqqYf
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 19, 2025
The question now is, which schools may possibly land the big man?
Top 5 Teams That Could Possibly Recruit Paul Mbiya
5 – Kansas
Bill Self’s Jayhawks were one of the finalists to get Paul Mbiya, until NC State scooped him up, only to fumble the 6’11 center. However, the Jayhawks already have star center Flory Bidunga, which means Mbiya could have some competition for the starting lineup. With No. 1-ranked 2025 point guard Darryn Peterson coming in, Mbiya could be a potential lob target, with him and Bidunga possibly sharing the floor.
4 – Texas A&M
Like all the other schools in the list, the Aggies were in the running to recruit Paul Mbiya before he chose NC State. Now that he has decommitted and reopened his recruitment, Mbiya would bring some size to the squad.
3 – Kansas State
While Kansas already has a big man, Kansas State is still in the midst of a roster shakeup, and a big man like Mbiya anchoring the frontline would be a welcome addition. He would possibly be the starting center there should he choose to go with the Wildcats, especially with his size and skill.
2 – North Carolina
North Carolina has been struggling as of late, with the traditional blue blood school not doing as well as its rivals. However, the Tar Heels have gotten a big boost in their freshman recruiting class, especially with No. 5-ranked Caleb Wilson, a power forward, committing to them. Should Mbiya choose North Carolina, Wilson and he could form one of the scariest frontlines in the NCAA.
However, Mbiya does have competition for the starting position in four-star Arizona transferee Henri Veesaar from Estonia, who is a seven-footer.
1 – Oregon
Oregon was one of the teams that almost had Mbiya before NC State got him, and is a strong contender to land the big man from Congo. He does have competition at the position with senior center Nathan Bittle. However, he is now in the final year of his eligibility, and this might be a prime landing spot for Mbiya.
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