Louisville's huge Flory Bidunga update hints at an obvious NBA draft decision

Louisville basketball fans have a few reasons to keep an eye on the NBA Draft withdrawal list, but the biggest name Cardinals fans are looking at is their 5-star commitment, Flory Bidunga. The Kansas transfer committed to Louisville this offseason after a dominant year with the Jayhawks, and now he is going through the NBA Draft process but will have to decide in a week whether to stay in the draft or return to college basketball.

Flory Bidunga’s latest quote should have Louisville basketball fans dreaming big

Well, Louisville fans got a promising update yesterday that he is trending toward returning to college basketball, which would mean playing for the Cardinals, and early this morning, they got a huge sign that suggests he is one step closer to playing for Louisville next season. It was reported that the 5-star officially signed with the Cardinals, suggesting Bidunga will likely withdraw from the NBA Draft.

Flory Bidunga update hints at an obvious NBA draft decision

Now, there is no report that Bidunga has officially withdrawn from the 2026 NBA Draft, but with him making it official and signing with Louisville, it certainly is a massive step in the right direction for Louisville fans.

Bidunga was recently at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, and he stated he would stay in the NBA Draft if it made sense and he was told he would be selected at a good pick. However, if he were to stay in the draft, he would likely be a second-round pick, which has many fans and experts predicting he will return to college basketball and play for Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals.

Bidunga is coming off an All-Big 12 season in which he averaged over 13 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Louisville's physicality and frontcourt were its biggest weaknesses this past season, and if Bidunga does withdraw from the NBA Draft, he would be a huge piece to address those flaws.

He was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year this past season, as his 91 blocks ranked in the top five in Division I basketball. On offense, he is an elite lob threat and a rebound machine, averaging 3.0 offensive rebounds per game.

Bidunga has until May 27 to decide if he wants to stay in the NBA Draft or to withdraw, and like previously stated, his officially signing with Louisville is a huge step in the right direction that hints at an obvious NBA draft decision.

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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