Inside KU’s 11th-hour negotiations with Paul Mbiya before transfer portal closes
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mbiya/representatives are negotiating a deal for potential return before portal closes.
- Mbiya’s camp says market value for big men is $1.6 million and KU’s offer is 'way lower'.
- Without Mbiya, KU would have no returning big men; Bidunga and Tiller transferred.
With the transfer portal set to close — for new entrants — at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday night, Kansas basketball big man Paul Mbiya and his representation were still negotiating a deal for his potential return.
The Star spoke to Mbiya’s agent Anthony Myers-Pate and manager Yacine Fylla about the situation Tuesday evening, with negotiations ongoing.
Mbiya and his representatives reached a deal with KU a few hours after talking to The Star.
One thing is clear: Mbiya wanted to return to the Jayhawks. But his representatives in exchange sought what they called “fair money” for his services. According to the pair, Mbiya was willing to take a discount to remain with the Jayhawks.
“Basically, we have an amount, and they want us to sign for 30% off,” Fylla told The Star.
Fylla shared his perspective on the negotiations.
“The market is $1.6 million (for a big man) and we’re not even at 1.6, we’re way lower,” Fylla said. “You can say me and name me, I don’t care. I am not willing for him to sell his (butt) just because he wants to prove he’s loyal. I know this game, I played pro for a long time. There’s no (expletive) loyalty in this business. You’re going to show loyalty, (but) as soon as you show you love the organization too much, the organization will then show that they don’t need you.
“It’s good to show them loyalty, but it’s also good on their side to show you reassurance. You need to be reassured that everything is going to be all right. Only way is (through a) contract.”
Without Mbiya, the Jayhawks would have no returning big men from last season. KU’s starting center Flory Bidunga (Louisville) and power forward Bryson Tiller (Missouri) have both transferred out.
According to multiple reports, the Jayhawks played host to Charlotte’s Anton Bonke in Lawrence last week. Kansas is expected to host USC center Gabe Dynes on Sunday, his agent Adam Papas told The Star.
Both of Mbiya’s representatives say they expect KU to pick up another big man and don’t expect Mbiya to automatically be named a starter. They were also anticipating continued negotiations with KU over the coming hours.
Before arriving in Lawrence last fall, Mbiya played the 2024-25 season in the ASVEL team system in the French Pro A League. He averaged 15.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots per game.
The 7-footer from Kinshasa, Congo, averaged 1.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 21 games for KU during the 2025-26 season. His brightest moments came in the NCAA Tournament, where he showed flashes of potential for future seasons.
Mbiya had eight points and three rebounds while playing 16 minutes in KU’s first-round victory over Cal Baptist in San Diego. He finished with four points and six rebounds in 13 minutes in KU’s season-ending loss to St. John’s.
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 6:44 PM.
