Why hasn’t KU Jayhawks’ Paul Mbiya entered transfer portal? Here’s the backstory
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Paul Mbiya told The Star he planned to enter the transfer portal on Monday.
- The transfer portal officially opened on the following Tuesday this year.
- A source told The Star Mbiya remained undecided and had not entered by Saturday.
Last Monday, Kansas Jayhawks center Paul Mbiya confirmed to The Star that he planned to enter the NCAA transfer portal, which opened Tuesday
But as of Saturday afternoon, a source confirmed to The Star, Mbiya still hadn’t done so.
So, what gives? A source close to the situation said Mbiya remains undecided about whether to leave KU.
Before arriving in Lawrence last fall, Mbiya played the 2024-25 season in the ASVEL team system in the top-tier level French Pro A League. He averaged 15.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots per game.
For the Jayhawks, the 7-footer from Kinshasa, Congo, averaged 1.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 21 games during the 2025-26 season. And he showed flashes of promise during the NCAA Tournament.
Mbiya had eight points and three rebounds while playing 16 minutes in KU’s first-round victory over Cal Baptist in San Diego. He had four points and six rebounds in 13 minutes in KU’s season-ending loss to St. John’s
Mbiya was used on the Jayhawks’ scout team in March, and that may have contributed to the growth of his all-around game. KU coach Bill Self praised his play throughout the NCAA Tournament.
It’s believed the KU staff would like Mbiya to return and keep building upon what he showed last month. But Mbiya ‘s decision is a complicated one.
Those close to him have recommended he enter the portal. He might command substantially more NIL money elsewhere, should he choose to depart KU.
That said, a source said Mbiya has “deeply (fallen) in love with Kansas.” He’s still considering coming back to KU because, the source said, he believes “loyalty can’t be bought and that he can leave his mark at KU.”
If Mbiya doesn’t enter the portal it would be a significant development for Self as he builds an entirely new roster for 2026-27. The Jayhawks currently have just one rotation player from last season on the roster: guard Kohl Rosario.
Even with Mbiya potentially back, the Jayhawks would have to fill in eight roster spots. KU’s starting bigs from last season, Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller, are in the transfer portal.
According to multiple reports, Bidunga is currently on a visit to Louisville. Meanwhile, Tiller will visit KU rival Missouri this weekend.
