Flory Bidunga Talks BYU Matchup, Team Growth, and Allen Fieldhouse Energy Ahead of Saturday’s Showdown
With a ranked BYU squad coming into Allen Fieldhouse this weekend, Kansas freshman Flory Bidunga met with the media to preview what’s shaping up to be a high-energy Big 12 clash. The Jayhawks are entering a critical stretch of the season, and Bidunga’s comments reflected both the excitement and the focus this team is carrying into Saturday.
On the Allen Fieldhouse Atmosphere: “It’s Going to Be Packed”
Bidunga didn’t shy away from expressing how much he’s looking forward to the environment on Saturday. The freshman big man knows what Allen Fieldhouse can become when a marquee opponent rolls into town-and he’s ready for it.
“I’m excited,” he said. “I know the place is going to be really packed, full of energy, and that’s exciting for us. That just shows how much people here love basketball.”
For a young player still adjusting to the rhythms of college basketball, that kind of crowd can be overwhelming. But Bidunga isn’t just embracing it-he’s feeding off it.
Team Over Individual: Kansas vs. BYU, Not Player vs. Player
When asked about potential individual matchups-particularly the buzz around AJ Dybantsa-Bidunga echoed head coach Bill Self’s message: this isn’t about one-on-one battles.
“We play for Kansas,” he said. “We know it is Kansas against BYU.
It is a team effort. We all need to participate.”
That team-first mentality has been a hallmark of Self’s program for years, and it’s clear Bidunga has bought in. Whether it’s defending in transition, battling on the boards, or setting solid screens, he understands his role in the bigger picture.
Extra Practice Time, No Midweek Game
With no midweek game on the schedule, Kansas had a rare opportunity to reset and refocus. For Bidunga, that meant one thing: more time to prepare.
“We just want to practice as much as possible to be ready,” he said.
That kind of mindset is exactly what you want to hear from a young player who’s still developing his game. Bidunga’s physical tools are obvious, but it’s his willingness to put in the work that’s going to determine how far he can go this season.
On Elmarko Jackson: “He’s Growing”
Bidunga also took a moment to shine a light on teammate Elmarko Jackson, who’s been turning heads with his recent performances.
“Great player,” Bidunga said. “He is growing, made some crucial plays. I feel like he still has more to show, so I cannot wait to see that.”
Jackson, who’s been working his way back from an early-season injury, is starting to look like the player Kansas fans were hoping to see. Bidunga sees it too.
“100 percent,” he said when asked if Jackson is back to his old self. “The injury made him sit down for a bit, but I think he is getting there for sure.”
Facing a Gauntlet: Four Ranked Opponents in Five Games
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier for Kansas. The Jayhawks are staring down a stretch that includes four top-25 teams in their next five games. For Bidunga, the key is staying locked in and taking it one step at a time.
“We just need to embrace it and take each game one by one,” he said. “Those games help us grow as a team.”
That’s the kind of approach you want from a young core-embracing the challenge rather than fearing it. In a conference as deep as the Big 12, every night is a test. And this stretch will say a lot about where Kansas stands heading into the back half of the season.
On BYU’s Style: “A Team Effort to Stop Them”
When asked about what stands out on BYU’s game film, Bidunga didn’t hesitate.
“They are a great team,” he said. “We need a team effort to stop them, especially in transition.”
BYU’s ability to push the pace and score in bunches has made them a tough matchup all year. Kansas will need to be sharp in transition defense, and that starts with communication and hustle-two things Bidunga has steadily improved on during conference play.
On Guarding AJ Dybantsa: “Play Great Defense, Be Focused”
Asked specifically about limiting AJ Dybantsa, Bidunga kept it simple and focused.
“He is a good player. You just have to play great defense, be focused and take it step by step.”
That’s the mindset you want from your defensive anchor. Bidunga knows it’s not about shutting a player down entirely-it’s about making every possession difficult, staying disciplined, and trusting the game plan.
Self-Assessment: “Stacking Days”
When reflecting on his own performance during conference play, Bidunga was honest about where he stands and where he wants to go.
“There are a lot of areas I need to grow,” he admitted. “I just keep stacking days and trying to get better.”
It’s a mature perspective from a freshman still finding his rhythm in one of the toughest leagues in the country. The flashes are there-rim protection, rebounding, physicality in the paint. Now it’s about consistency.
On the Fans Camping Out: “We Need to Put on a Show”
And finally, Bidunga lit up when asked about the sea of tents outside Allen Fieldhouse.
“That really shows how committed they are to support us,” he said. “I feel like we need to put on a show.”
That’s the Kansas basketball culture in a nutshell-students braving the cold, camping out for days, all to create one of the most electric environments in college hoops. And for a player like Bidunga, that kind of support isn’t just motivating-it’s a responsibility.
Looking Ahead
Saturday’s matchup with BYU is more than just another Big 12 game. It’s a measuring stick for a young Kansas team that’s still growing into its full potential. With a packed house, a high-octane opponent, and a critical stretch of games ahead, Flory Bidunga and the Jayhawks are stepping into the spotlight.
And based on what we’re hearing from the freshman forward, they’re ready for it.