Bidunga sizes up 2025-26 KU hoops + what happened to football? Kansas Jayhawks Q&A
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Flory Bidunga reentered KU program, commits to role as rim runner and creator.
- Coaching stability persists; Leipold retains staff despite defensive struggles.
- Turnovers, clock errors and coordinator issues cost Kansas winnable games.
Kansas big man Flory Bidunga entered the transfer portal this summer but ultimately decided to return for another season of basketball with the Jayhawks.
A significant reason he entered the portal was the way last season turned out. And so far, Bidunga likes what he’s seen from this Jayhawks squad.
“I feel like people really want to compete, we want to do great,” Bidunga told The Star. “We want to bring Kansas back to where it used to be. Everybody knows it. We’ve just been pushing each other.”
Bidunga has NBA dreams, so he’s had a busy summer working on his game.
“Somebody told me that I need to remember what I’m good at and make it great,” he said. “Just using my natural ability of blocking shots, screening, rebounding and then maybe even add a little bit more.
“I think just those criteria, if I do it pretty good that will lead me where I want to go.”
With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions ...
It seems like we are going to struggle to balance how we should use Flory(lobs in pick and rolls and as a rim runner) now vs what he wants to show the NBA that he is taking steps towards(creating with the ball, post offense run through him). How do you see us handling this? @ProgTechGeek
This is a great question. Playing well as a rim-runner/excelling in the pick-and-roll will do wonders for him.
First, it builds trust in his ability to do the things the Jayhawks need from him this season. That will lead to some opportunities to showcase other things (creating with the ball and post offense, for instance).
Secondly, the NBA needs to see him excel at the first two things you mentioned for a whole season against starting-caliber competition.
The way KU’s offense is structured, there will absolutely be opportunities for him to showcase his low-post move and ability to create with the ball in his hands. Like KU coach Bill Self has said, there will be times when KU’s offense can’t score for a bit.
These are the times when Bidunga will need to showcase those skills. As he builds trust, he will be given more chances.
Bidunga is aware of what this team needs from him. I don’t see him forcing bad shots or trying to play hero ball as he prepares to pursue a career in pro hoops.
Any possibility Andy Kotelnicki returns? @kusteveh
Never say never, I suppose, but I’d be surprised if he returns to the Jayhawks. In what capacity would he return to Lawrence?
I don’t think Jim Zebrowski would get demoted or share the offensive coordinator role with Kotelnicki at this point in their respective careers.
Why is DK McDonald still the DC? @ChrisKansasCity
Everyone needs to relax a bit. I know DK hasn’t had the best year — the Jayhawks’ defense has been horrible. That said, this is his first year as a defensive coordinator, so give him a little time.
And Leipold doesn’t typically fire staff members. I don’t see that changing mid-season. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Knowing that it could be many factors, what has prevented Leipold from taking the program to the next step of success? It seems as if the team is mired in mediocrity for the last two seasons. @Big_Tamale
A couple of things. First, quarterback Jalon Daniels had a bad start to last season. It took him until the midway point to look like his usual self, and by then, the Jayhawks had suffered too many losses.
Secondly, the KU coordinators haven’t had the best seasons in the last two years. Everyone complained about Jeff Grimes as OC last season.
He wasn’t great and the offense has real flaws, but KU’s offense is worse this season despite Daniels having an excellent year. Obviously, KU last year had star running back Devin Neal, but it’s still surprising that the Jayhawks’ offense isn’t better.
KU’s defense this season is much worse than last year’s. Players praised McDonald’s instinct-based approach, but it’s yet to yield the desired results against a quality opponent.
Ultimately, the Jayhawks have struggled to win many close games over the past two years. Maybe it’s poor clock management, playing conservative football or just committing too many costly mistakes. Sometimes it has been a combination of such factors..
When you put all these things together, mediocre football is the likely result.
This story was originally published October 31, 2025 at 10:29 AM.
