Louisville's Pat Kelsey hints at untapped potential in Flory Bidunga's game

Louisville basketball is ranked as high as No. 5 overall in the nation by Fox Sports in its way-too-early rankings, largely because of the transfer additions. Pat Kelsey had a tall challenge of rebuilding this roster, but the Cards struck gold right away as he landed the No. 1 overall transfer, Flory Bidunga.

Flory Bidunga’s NBA Draft decision fuels Louisville basketball fans’ frontcourt dreams

The Kansas transfer is a dominant center who is coming off an eye-popping year with the Jayhawks. After withdrawing from the NBA Combine and making it official, Kelsey made it clear there is a lot to be excited about. Tuesday afternoon, Louisville and Bidunga made it official, and in Kelsey’s official statement, he praised Bidunga but also hinted at untapped potential.

Pat Kelsey believes Louisville can unlock a new side of Flory Bidunga

Bidunga is one of the best centers in college basketball, as the 5-star transfer dominates the paint defensively and is one of the top lob threats in the country. Kelsey praises Bidunga and calls him a “game-changer” but also gets Louisville fans excited as he believes there's “another level to his game offensively.”

"Flory is a game changer," stated Kelsey in the official statement. "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."

Everyone knows about Bidunga and his ability to block shots. Last year, he was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after leading the Big 12 in total blocks and blocks per game. His dominant 2.6 blocks per game ranked No. 5 in Division I basketball, and his 91 blocks on the year ranked No. 4.

As for his offensive game, Bidunga has the ability to outjump nearly everyone on the floor. He is an elite lob threat who is active in the pick-and-rolls, as he can soar through the air and track the ball down for a monster dunk.

Bidunga logged 68 dunks this past season, ranking No. 2 in Division I basketball, and while that is an eye-popping stat, Louisville fans are excited to see that in the KFC Yum! Center, Kelsey makes it clear he wants him to be more than just a lob threat.

While Bidunga is an elite lob threat and dominant inside, his biggest weakness is his offensive bag. He is a top finisher and can outjump nearly everyone, but he doesn’t emerge as a major threat outside of that. So, to hear Kelsey say he thinks there is untapped potential and another level to his offensive game is music to Louisville fans' ears.

Bidunga averaged 13.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting 64 percent from the field. Bidunga is going to have a major impact on Louisville and will be a huge reason this Cards team has such high expectations. Now, if Kelsey can help develop the next level of his offensive game, he will become an even bigger nightmare for opponents and one of the best two-way players in the country.

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

For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.

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