KU basketball coaches helped Flory Bidunga fulfill an offseason promise Monday
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- Flory Bidunga rejoined KU, sought development, then posted a career-high 23 points.
- He used post athleticism and new moves, adding six rebounds and three blocks.
- Coach Self urged continued aggression, targeting downhill attack and drawing fouls.
When Kansas basketball big man Flory Bidunga entered the transfer portal in April, one of the things he told the coaching staff was he wanted to develop as a player.
The KU coaches reassured Bidunga he would accomplish what he wanted. And Bidunga ultimately rejoined the Jayhawks.
Fast forward to Monday, Bidunga’s offense looked much improved in KU’s season-opening victory over Green Bay. He had a career-high 23 points with six rebounds and three blocks.
He recently told The Star: “Somebody told me that I need to remember what I’m good at and make it great.”
He seemed to pay heed to those words Monday. He utilized his athleticism in the post to create openings for shots. He also showcased a few offensive moves he’s not displayed before, like jump hooks.
“I don’t think Flory was given much in the low post at all until Fort Hays State. We made an emphasis that our big guys don’t play big like they need to,” coach Bill Self said. “He got the ball in tight, made some shots without bouncing and played to his length. He was a lot better today, and he made his foul shots.”
From the start of the game, Bidunga made his presence felt. He was aggressive on offense and didn’t hesitate to look for opportunities to score. In fact, he scored the first bucket of the Jayhawks’ season.
It was a massive difference from his play in the exhibition against Fort Hays State, where he was passive at times. He scored only six points on 3-for-9 shooting that day.
Bidunga noted he spent a lot of time watching tape of the game with KU associate head coach Jeremy Case.
“I watched a bunch of film from the past game,” Bidunga said. “I just want to get better. Me playing to my athletic ability really helped me tonight.”
He also had support from his teammates.
After Bidunga’s performance in the exhibitions, guard Melvin Council Jr. texted the sophomore forward that he loved him. Bidunga responded likewise.
“I told (Bidunga), ’We know what you can do. You don’t got to prove nothing to nobody. Just play your game,’” Council recalled. “That’s what he did.”
Bidunga combined with Darryn Peterson for a total of 44 points vs. Green Bay. It was an encouraging sign, with the Jayhawks needing a second scorer to emerge after their freshman superstar Peterson.
It’s part of why Self emphasized Bidunga should remain aggressive moving forward. Self even wants to see Bidunga use his jump shot. The big man has been working on it since before he arrived in Lawrence.
“Anything that’s aggressive, putting pressure on defense, yeah, I’m all for that,” Self said. “You said attacking the basket, you didn’t say jump shots. If he can attack the basket and then pull up — shoot that little 6-to-8-foot jump shot — great.
“He actually made one of those tonight, but for the most part he needs to play downhill. He needs to get fouled. He needs to want to get fouled. We will be so much better when he’s like that. He was like that tonight.”
This story was originally published November 3, 2025 at 11:31 PM with the headline "KU basketball coaches helped Flory Bidunga fulfill an offseason promise Monday."
