In Kansas' recent showdown against Houston, forward Flory Bidunga's stat line might have seemed modest at first glance. But as any seasoned fan knows, numbers don’t always capture the full impact of a player's performance.
Bidunga wrapped up the game with four points on 2-for-6 shooting and seven rebounds over 36 minutes. Yet, those figures barely scratch the surface of his influence in No.
14 Kansas' commanding 69-56 victory over No. 5 Houston.
Kansas coach Bill Self was quick to highlight Bidunga's game-changing presence, stating that despite scoring just four points, he "totally dominated the game."
Self praised Bidunga for his defensive prowess, pointing out his ability to hedge ball screens, cover guards, and provide critical support. This defensive effort was crucial in helping the Jayhawks not only stay competitive but ultimately pull away from the Cougars, leading by as much as 20 points in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse.
Bidunga's defensive stats included two blocks and a steal, but his impact went beyond the box score. His presence in the paint was a constant deterrent, limiting Houston to just 24 points inside and forcing them to shoot a mere 45% on layups.
His versatility was on full display as he switched onto Houston’s standout guards, Kingston Flemings and Emanuel Sharp, holding them to a combined 21 points on 7-for-28 shooting. In one memorable sequence, Bidunga pressured Houston guard Milos Uzan on the perimeter, forcing a ball screen. The Jayhawks capitalized on the miss, and Bidunga sprinted back to grab the rebound and score against three defenders.
Bidunga has expressed his strategic approach to defense, often baiting guards into challenging him at the rim, where he excels at rejection.
Kansas' defensive focus was evident, especially following a surprising loss to Cincinnati where they were heavy favorites. The team responded by holding Houston to season-low shooting percentages: 31.8% overall and 20.8% from beyond the arc.
Guard Melvin Council emphasized the team's potential, stating, “When we play to our ability, defense, nobody can stop us. We haven’t reached our ceiling yet, and when we do, it’s going to be fun to watch.”
While Self acknowledges that Kansas is still refining their game, particularly with freshman star Darryn Peterson finding his footing, Bidunga remains a cornerstone of their defensive strategy. His performance hints at a potential Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year nod, and perhaps even national recognition.
Self has repeatedly highlighted Bidunga’s defensive intelligence, noting his ability to manage ball screens, bluff cuts, and recover to his man. His plus-minus of plus-17, despite scoring only four points, speaks volumes about his defensive mastery.
With Bidunga anchoring the defense, the Jayhawks (21-7, 11-4 Big 12) are poised to compete fiercely against any opponent.