No. 1 Big Man in Portal Could Change Everything for Razorbacks in Paint

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — If Arkansas is serious about upgrading its frontcourt, the top name on the transfer portal board is already clear, Kansas center Flory Bidunga

High-major teams across the country in need of a game-changing center will have Bidunga at the very top of their transfer big boards when the portal officially opens April 7.

Arkansas’ need in the frontcourt is a necessary move that can push Arkansas from dark-horse national title contenders to full-fledged favorites.

While the Razorbacks leaned heavily on guard play during their Sweet 16 run, inconsistent rim protection and interior depth exposed limitations in key stretches, especially in a 109-88 loss to Arizona.

If coach John Calipari is going to build a roster capable of advancing deeper in March, adding a true anchor in the paint is essential.

The 6-foot-10, 230 pound big man was a 5-star forward out of Kokomo, Indiana in the 2024 class and ranked as the No. 14 player nationally, according to 247Sports player rankings.

He was a highly sought after recruit when he signed with Kansas, holding offers from schools such as Kentucky, Duke, Auburn, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State and many others.

Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While he arrived to Lawrence as a celebrated recruit, Bidunga had a very raw athletic skill set that would be developed during his time with coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks.

Bidunga is extremely athletic for his size with a body capable of holding up to the physicality of the college game. His long wingspan allows him to be a defensive force near the rim.

He can be very explosive in the open floor with an exceptional leaping ability that makes him a big time finisher at the hoop as a lob threat.

His best quality is length in the paint on defense and ability to guard multiple positions because of his above average mobility. He has blocked 145 shots over the past two seasons which makes him a coveted rim protector and patroller of defense inside the arc.

His presence alone forces opponents to settle for perimeter looks due to his effectiveness as a defender.

His offensive game is limited but effective in the paint, finishing the season at 64% from two-point range on 197-of-308 shot attempts.

Arkansas runs heavy pick-and-roll action, an area where Bidunga already thrives. The Razorbacks' offense attacked the paint often as more than 35% of shot attempts occurred at the rim, and another 19% came in the paint.

If the Razorbacks prioritize big men out of the portal in this cycle, then its 43 paint points per game (No. 3 nationally) would be expected to rise in 2026-27

As a rebounder, Bidunga developed into a dependable asset to the Jayhawks this season by averaging nine boards, including three on the offensive end per game.

He often struggles with his footwork against exceptional defenders as he tends to shuffle his feet or get lost in no man's land deep under the basket.

Razorbacks' assistant coach Kenny Payne specializes in big man development which was key in unlocking the potential of Trevon Brazile as a complete stretch forward. Fellow forward Malique Ewin possesses a quality offensive skillset but became a reliable defender in the post over the final 12 games of the season.

Bidunga tends to use his hook shot when he cannot post up in the paint, and oftentimes rushes to get shots up down low. Another weakness in his game is a lack of craftiness in shot making as he uses his left hand more than his right.

That is something opponents can zero in on to make him feel uncomfortable which leads to him trying to rush shot attempts down low.

Although there are negatives in his game these are still building blocks he can use to expand his offensive skillset at his next destination. The biggest key to unlocking his potential as a confident big man will be a coaching staff that can teach him to slow down on the offensive end and be confident in his decision making.

Arguably his most complete performance during his college career thus far came against then No. 1 ranked Arizona at the beginning of February. The Jayhawks were able to pull out an 82-78 victory inside the Phog Allen Fieldhouse due to his dominance against a physical Wildcats team.

Bidunga scored 23 points on 8-of-11 attempts, 10 rebounds (six offensive), three blocks and one steal in 33 minutes. He displayed a high motor going up against Arizona's trio of physical post men in Tobe Awaka, Mo Krivas and Koa Peat which allowed Kansas to pull off the upset of its undefeated opponent.

Arkansas Potential Center Targets

• Flory Bidunga, Kansas
• Somto Cyril, Georgia
• Mo Sylla, Georgia Tech
• Kwame Edwards, Oregon
• Keanu Dawes, Utah
• DeSean Goode, Robert Morris

If Arkansas is going to elevate from a Sweet 16 team to a legitimate national contender, adding a presence like Bidunga could be the difference.

His defensive instincts, rebounding ability and vertical threat in pick-and-roll action would give the Razorbacks a dimension they’ve lacked inside under coach John Calipari.

And if he reaches his offensive ceiling under a staff known for developing big men, Arkansas would be landing one of the most impactful players in the portal.

Arkansas Potential Center Targets

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