Flory Bidunga Commits to Kansas Jayhawks

Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks started off their 2024 recruiting class with a bang, with 5-star and No. 1 ranked center in the class Flory Bidunga committing during the halftime show of the UAA Elite 24 game.

Flory Bidunga is going to Kansas pic.twitter.com/KsrTstkZ3k
— Matt Cohen (@Matt_Cohen_) August 13, 2023

The 6'9", 215-pound Congo native is the number 5 ranked recruit in the senior class, and will be joining the Jayhawks after his final season at Kokomo High School in Indiana. He broke into the recruiting scene in his sophomore season, and is most known for his ability to run the floor, elite rim protection and some next-level lob catching skills.

The Jayhawks will have at least 3 scholarships open next season, with Kevin McCullar in his super-senior season and graduate transfers Nick Timberlake and Parker Braun exhausting their eligibility this season. But many expect big man Hunter Dickinson to head to NBA after this season, although I'm sure the Jayhawks coaching staff would figure out how to use Bidunga and Dickinson if they were both on the roster.

When asked why he selected Kansas over the other finalists of Auburn, Duke and Michigan, he pointed to the high level of interest shown by the coaching staff and the ability to watch practice to see just how well Self treats his players. It also probably didn't hurt that he is projected to be a very high earner with NIL opportunities, and the Jayhawks have a phenomenal infrastructure to support those opportunities

The Jayhawks have a history of developing big men and utilizing them efficiently. Bidunga's physicality, ability to play above the rim and great interior passing will be key strengths next season. There is some concern about his free throw shooting and being able to stretch his jump shot, but there is no doubt that he is a huge addition to the roster.