Louisville basketball fans learned on Monday that the Cardinals' star transfer Flory Bidunga will officially play for the Cardinals, and will withdraw from the draft. Bidunga was in the NBA Draft until Monday, as he attended the NBA Combine to try to climb the draft boards, but after thinking it over, he withdrew his name and will be with Louisville next season.
Louisville gets the massive Flory Bidunga NBA Draft update they have been waiting for
With Bidunga officially a Cardinal, Louisville fans are eagerly awaiting the season. Bidunga ranked No. 1 overall in the Transfer Portal, and now the Cards fans are dreaming of the 5-star duo with Obinna Ekezie Jr.
Louisville basketball may have college basketball’s next elite frontcourt duo
Ekezie committed to Louisville in early May, and with Bidunga returning, the Cards now have a dominant frontcourt duo.
With Bidunga listed as a 6-foot-9 center and Ekezie at 7-feet, some Cardinals fans are trying to figure out if it is possible to have one play power forward and one at center.
On the offensive end, Ekezie has the ability to space out the floor and to shoot outside the paint, while Bidunga is a dominant rim protector who averaged 13.3 points this past season. The two centers are super athletic and can soar through the air, while also having the ability to rebound and put it back for two, or find the open man and keep the possession alive.
However, where these two will flourish is on the defensive end. Bidunga was one of the best centers in college basketball last season, ranking in the top five in both blocks per game and total blocks. As for Ekezie, in his final year of high school, he averaged 1.8 blocks per game.
This frontcourt will have height, athleticism, and physicality, all of which the Cardinals desperately lacked last season. Bidunga and Ekezie will be the frontcourt Louisville fans have been wanting for quite some time, and they are a major reason Louisville has such high expectations for this upcoming season.
The Cardinals fans made it clear they wanted Kelsey to address the frontcourt, and the head coach made some serious adjustments this offseason and landed the No. 1 center in the portal and the 2026 recruiting class. Now, many Louisville fans are hoping to see the two centers on the floor together and create a dominant frontcourt.
Bidunga is set to be a huge mentor for Ekezie, and the 5-star freshman will have a great opportunity to learn and grow under one of the best centers in college basketball. The Cardinals are a legitimate Final Four contender entering the 2026-27 season, and a large reason is Bidunga’s decision to return.
Also read: CBS insider gives Louisville fans even more hope Pat Kelsey can bring in Milan Momcilovic
For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.
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