The most coveted player in the NCAA transfer portal has committed to suiting up for Louisville basketball in 2026-27.
Former Kansas big man Flory Bidunga, the reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, announced his pledge to coach Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals on Sunday, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
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Bidunga and ex-Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad, who are represented by the same agent, visited UofL this weekend. Shelstad also committed Sunday.
Bidunga, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, checked in at 6 feet, 10 inches tall and 235 pounds for his sophomore season with Hall of Fame coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks. Across 31.6 minutes per game (34 starts), he was the only Division I player in 2025-26 to average more than 13 points (13.3 on 64% shooting), 8.5 rebounds (nine) and 2.5 blocks (2.6).
Duke, Michigan and St. John’s were also among Bidunga’s top suitors, according to an April 8 report on X, formerly Twitter, from The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman. When he entered the portal, the big man also announced his intentions to test the NBA draft waters.
This story will be updated.
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Reach Louisville men’s basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Flory Bidunga picks Louisville basketball, Pat Kelsey, per report