Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas and Kansas’ Flory Bidunga are two of the biggest names-literally and figuratively-on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award midseason watch list, and their looming head-to-head showdown has all the makings of a classic Big 12 frontcourt battle.
The Basketball Hall of Fame unveiled its top 10 candidates for the award on Thursday, with Krivas and Bidunga earning well-deserved spots among the nation’s top centers. And while the announcement is a big honor on its own, the timing couldn’t be more fitting: their teams are set to clash Monday night at Allen Fieldhouse in what could be one of the most impactful matchups of the conference season.
Before that, though, both squads have business to handle. No.
1 Arizona (22-0, 9-0 Big 12) puts its perfect record on the line Saturday against an Oklahoma State team riding high after a signature win over No. 16 BYU.
Meanwhile, No. 11 Kansas (17-5, 7-2 Big 12) welcomes Utah to Lawrence for a Saturday matinee of its own.
But it’s Monday’s marquee matchup that has fans and scouts circling their calendars. Krivas and Bidunga bring a combined 14 feet of size to the floor, and both have been dominant forces in the paint all season long.
Krivas, now in his third season under Tommy Lloyd, has been a steady presence for the Wildcats. The Lithuanian big man doesn’t get quite as many minutes as Bidunga-who logs about 7.6 more per game-but he’s been efficient and reliable, especially at the line, where he knocks down free throws at an impressive 80.9% clip.
Bidunga, on the other hand, has been a rim-running, high-efficiency machine for the Jayhawks. Shooting 67.7% from the field, he’s been a key part of Kansas’ interior attack and a major reason they’ve remained in the thick of the Big 12 race. After briefly entering the transfer portal this past offseason, Bidunga ultimately decided to return to Kansas for his sophomore campaign-and that decision has paid off in a big way for Bill Self’s squad.
Arizona won’t just rely on Krivas to slow down Bidunga, either. The Wildcats have another experienced big in Tobe Awaka, who’s capable of giving them 20-plus minutes of physical, defensive-minded play in the post. That depth could be crucial in a game where interior play is likely to decide the outcome.
This is the first of two regular-season meetings between Arizona and Kansas, with the rematch set for Feb. 28 in Tucson. But Monday’s contest is more than just the first chapter in a budding conference rivalry-it’s a showcase for two of the best big men in college basketball, both of whom are making strong cases for national recognition.
Krivas vs. Bidunga.
Wildcats vs. Jayhawks.
Two elite programs, two dominant centers, and one massive Big 12 battle on deck.