At 6-foot-11, Paul Mbiya doesn’t exactly sneak onto the court unnoticed. That kind of size is always going to turn heads.
But in college basketball-especially at a powerhouse like Kansas-being tall is just the entry point. The real challenge?
Turning that physical advantage into consistent production.
For now, Mbiya is still in the early stages of that journey. The freshman big man has logged just 46 minutes across 10 games this season, a limited sample that reflects more about the depth chart than his potential.
Let’s be clear: getting minutes behind Flory Bidunga is no small ask. Bidunga is one of the most dominant interior presences in the country, and he’s anchoring the Jayhawks’ frontcourt with the poise and power of a seasoned veteran.
That’s a tough act to follow for anyone-let alone a freshman still getting his feet under him.
But Mbiya isn’t just another tall project. He’s coming in with real experience and a résumé that deserves attention.
Before arriving in Lawrence, Mbiya played in France’s top professional league with ASVEL, a club known for developing high-level talent. And he didn’t just hold his own-he thrived.
Last season overseas, he averaged 15.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. That’s not the kind of production you can ignore, especially coming from a league that’s no stranger to NBA-caliber competition.
Those numbers speak to a player with a well-rounded skill set: scoring touch, rebounding instincts, and rim protection. And while he hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase all of that just yet at Kansas, there have been flashes.
His best outing so far came in the Jayhawks’ 90-61 win over Davidson, where he dropped four points on 2-of-3 shooting-in just three minutes of action. Small sample, sure, but it’s the kind of efficient burst that hints at what he could bring in a larger role.
And that role may come sooner than later. With Bidunga drawing constant attention-and plenty of contact-Mbiya could find himself called upon more often, especially if foul trouble becomes a factor. That’s the nature of college hoops: depth matters, and having a player like Mbiya waiting in the wings is a luxury most programs would love to have.
Kansas opens conference play on January 3rd against UCF, with tipoff set for 1 p.m. CT on Peacock.
While all eyes will be on the Jayhawks’ stars, keep an eye on No. 11.
Mbiya’s time might be coming-and when it does, he’s got the tools to make it count.