3 Transfer Centers Who Kansas Could Replace Flory Bidunga With

Who will replace Flory at the five?

Jan 24, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) reacts during the second half against the BYU Cougars at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Kansas center Flory Bidunga entered the transfer portal and the NBA Draft pool yesterday. While a return to the Jayhawks is still on the table, it isn't something that should be viewed as a likely possibility for Bill Self's squad.

At the very least, KU will have to begin searching for his successor in the paint with the transfer portal just four days away from opening. The program has yet another roster hole to fill following the departures of key players like Darryn Peterson, Tre White, and Melvin Council Jr.

Although the portal is not officially open yet, several standout players have already announced their intentions to enter once it does. Which transfers are the best options to replace Bidunga down low?

3. Anton Bonke

Although Bonke is not a high-profile player like the others on this list, he would make for an interesting addition for Self and Co. The former Providence center transferred to Charlotte this past season and turned out to be one of the better players in the AAC, averaging 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.

Feb 8, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Charlotte 49ers center Anton Bonke (49) handles the ball against Memphis Tigers forward Aaron Bradshaw (11) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

A strong rebounder and shot-blocker, the Vanuatu native showed a lot of promise in the 2025-26 campaign. Bonke alone would not fill the void that Bidunga created, but he'd be a great start to the offseason as a sixth man off the bench.

2. Somto Cyril

A former highly touted prospect, Cyril played his first two years at Georgia. He broke out in a big way this season, nearly doubling his scoring average to 9.3 points while adding 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

Like Bidunga, Cyril is an outstanding rim protector who is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. He was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team and led the conference in blocks per game.

Somto Cyril is a monster, will be so sought after in the portal.

2.2 blocks a game, 9.3 ppg on 76%. Right school can make him one of the best centers in the country pic.twitter.com/iuaDRhMmYV https://t.co/NZSzjwPG8s

— Ryan Hammer🔨 (@ryanhammer09) March 31, 2026

Although Cyril still has some kinks to work out offensively, he is a high-percentage shooter like Bidunga (75.9%) and boasts a more imposing frame at 6-foot-11, 250 pounds. With an offseason of development under one of the best big-man coaches in the country, Cyril could blossom into a star in Lawrence.

1. Henri Veesaar

Veesaar has not technically entered the transfer portal yet and is currently exploring the NBA route, just like Bidunga. But if KU's big man does not return and the Jayhawks want to target another pro-level prospect down low, Veesaar is the best option.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) bites his jersey against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The former Arizona forward averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game at North Carolina this season. Now that Hubert Davis will be replaced in Chapel Hill, Veesaar could explore other collegiate opportunities if he doesn't go pro.

Landing Veesaar would be a move comparable to acquiring Hunter Dickinson a few offseasons ago. On paper, he is one of the most talented big men in the country and would make an excellent pairing with Bryson Tiller.