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Indiana Mr. Basketball commits as package deal to closer-to-home school. What we know
TL;DR
Flory Bidunga, the 2024 Indiana Mr. Basketball, has committed to transfer from Kansas to Louisville, joining former Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad. Bidunga, a standout player and Big 12 defensive player of the year, aims to continue his career closer to home.
Former Kokomo star Flory Bidunga has entered the transfer portal in consecutive offseasons and has ended up with a different outcome this time.
Bidunga, the 2024 Indiana Mr. Basketball, spent his first two seasons at Kansas. He entered the transfer portal but returned after a freshman season in which he averaged 5.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per contest playing alongside Hunter Dickinson. He then averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, converting 63% of field goals, in 31.6 minutes per contest.
He then opted to enter the transfer portal while also going through the NBA draft process. That came to a head Sunday with ESPN reporting Bidunga and former Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad will transfer to Louisville and coach Pat Kelsey, who is 51-19 (29-9 ACC) in two seasons with the Cards.
Bidunga and Shelstad were seen on a visit with Kelsey on Saturday, tailgating at a U of L baseball game. It's a great get for the Cardinals as the 6-foot-10 Bidunga was Big 12 defensive player of the year, an all-league first-team selection and one of five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar center of the year award.
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Landing the 6-1 Shelstad also has implications for Purdue and Indiana, albeit less of one after an injury-plagued season. Shelstad's injury hampered Oregon's season before it could get off the ground — he missed the last 19 games (20 total) due to a hand injury.
But Shelstad is an explosive scorer with improving range. He started 77 of 79 games in three seasons with the Ducks and averaged no fewer than 12.8 points in any season. He scored a career-high 15.6 points per contest in 12 games before the hand injury kept him from competition. He averages 13.6 points, 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game for his career, and hits 35.2% of 3-pointers — a number hurt by a 31.4% mark on 105 attempts last season.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Flory Bidunga transfers to U of L basketball, Kansas stats, Jackson Shelstad
Q&A
What were Flory Bidunga's stats during his time at Kansas?
During his two seasons at Kansas, Bidunga averaged 5.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in his freshman year, and improved to 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in his sophomore year.
Why did Flory Bidunga decide to transfer to Louisville?
Bidunga chose to transfer to Louisville to play under coach Pat Kelsey and to be closer to home, seeking a fresh start after entering the transfer portal and the NBA draft process.
Who is Jackson Shelstad and how does he relate to Flory Bidunga's transfer?
Jackson Shelstad is a former Oregon guard who will also transfer to Louisville alongside Flory Bidunga, forming a notable package deal for the Cardinals.
