Kelsey Announces Flory Bidunga Signing
June 02, 2026 | Men's Basketball
Louisville adds the 6-10 forward from Kansas
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville men's basketball head coach Pat Kelsey announced the signing of Flory Bidunga on Tuesday.
"Flory is a game changer," said Kelsey. "He has an elite ability to change the game on the defensive end with his rim protection and physicality in the paint. While there's no doubt that he's one of the best lob threats in the country, we believe there is another level to his game offensively that we're ready to unlock when he steps on campus. He is a true, two-way impactful player that we believe is only scratching the surface of his potential, and we're glad he's chosen to be a Louisville Cardinal."
Bidunga is the No. 1 transfer portal player, according to both On3 and 247Sports. The rising junior heads to The Ville after two seasons at Kansas.
The 6-10, 235-pound forward is the reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He led the Big 12 in blocks (91) and blocks per game (2.6) while finishing the 2025-26 season fourth and fifth, respectively, in those categories nationally.
Bidunga, originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, shot 64% from the floor during the year, leading the Big 12 and ranking 10th around the country. He logged four games of 20 or more points and notched 13 double-doubles during the season. Overall, Bidunga averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.
He earned All-Big 12 First Team and All-Defensive Team honors. In addition to the league honors, Bidunga was a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award and was on both late season lists for the Naismith Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
During his freshman year, Bidunga set the Kansas freshman field goal percentage record as he shot at a blistering 69.8% clip. He led the Jayhawks with 54 blocks on the year and his average of 1.6 blocks per game was third best in the Big 12.
In his first season in college, Bidunga averaged 5.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, recording 10 games of 10-plus boards.
Bidunga moved to Kokomo, Indiana just before his sophomore year of high school at age 15. He was a McDonald's All-American and a two-time Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024. He was also named to the Naismith Boys High School All-American Third Team during his senior year.
In his final season at Kokomo High School, Bidunga averaged 19.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.4 blocks and 3.2 assists per game, all while shooting 81.4% from the floor. He averaged 20.2 points, 13.8 rebounds, 4.5 blocks as a junior, leading KHS to the Indiana 4A State title game.
Bidunga was ranked as high as No. 6 by ESPN.com and Rivals in his signing class and No. 8 by 247Sports.com.
"Flory is a game changer," said Kelsey. "He has an elite ability to change the game on the defensive end with his rim protection and physicality in the paint. While there's no doubt that he's one of the best lob threats in the country, we believe there is another level to his game offensively that we're ready to unlock when he steps on campus. He is a true, two-way impactful player that we believe is only scratching the surface of his potential, and we're glad he's chosen to be a Louisville Cardinal."
Bidunga is the No. 1 transfer portal player, according to both On3 and 247Sports. The rising junior heads to The Ville after two seasons at Kansas.
The 6-10, 235-pound forward is the reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He led the Big 12 in blocks (91) and blocks per game (2.6) while finishing the 2025-26 season fourth and fifth, respectively, in those categories nationally.
Bidunga, originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, shot 64% from the floor during the year, leading the Big 12 and ranking 10th around the country. He logged four games of 20 or more points and notched 13 double-doubles during the season. Overall, Bidunga averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.
He earned All-Big 12 First Team and All-Defensive Team honors. In addition to the league honors, Bidunga was a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award and was on both late season lists for the Naismith Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
During his freshman year, Bidunga set the Kansas freshman field goal percentage record as he shot at a blistering 69.8% clip. He led the Jayhawks with 54 blocks on the year and his average of 1.6 blocks per game was third best in the Big 12.
In his first season in college, Bidunga averaged 5.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, recording 10 games of 10-plus boards.
Bidunga moved to Kokomo, Indiana just before his sophomore year of high school at age 15. He was a McDonald's All-American and a two-time Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024. He was also named to the Naismith Boys High School All-American Third Team during his senior year.
In his final season at Kokomo High School, Bidunga averaged 19.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.4 blocks and 3.2 assists per game, all while shooting 81.4% from the floor. He averaged 20.2 points, 13.8 rebounds, 4.5 blocks as a junior, leading KHS to the Indiana 4A State title game.
Bidunga was ranked as high as No. 6 by ESPN.com and Rivals in his signing class and No. 8 by 247Sports.com.
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