NCAA Basketball: Analyzing key contenders for 5-star C Flory Bidunga
![Kokomo Wildkats center Flory Bidunga (40) rushes up the court on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Ben Davis Giants lead at the half against the Kokomo Wildkats, 28-17, during the IHSAA Class 4A state finals championship.High School Basketball Ini Hs Basketball Class 3a State Final Northwood Panthers At Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles Kokomo Wildkats center Flory Bidunga (40) rushes up the court on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Ben Davis Giants lead at the half against the Kokomo Wildkats, 28-17, during the IHSAA Class 4A state finals championship.High School Basketball Ini Hs Basketball Class 3a State Final Northwood Panthers At Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c830544bf6c9d2d18bcbc9700a9f5b9c3579b2e98bc8e44571363ce1631f7546.jpg)
When looking at the 2024 NCAA Basketball recruiting class, a good case can be made that Flory Bidunga is the best frontcourt player overall. He’s a 6’8 center from Kokomo, Indiana, and has risen up the ranks in the past few months into the “elite” status.
Bidunga was named the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year this past high school season after averaging around 20 ppg, 13 rpg, and over four blocks a game. The five-star big man already was known as a quality rim protector and the type of athlete that plays above the rim. But he’s shown the ability to provide offense, making a legit two-way player that’ll impact the NCAA Basketball level.
Bidunga was viewed as a potential reclass candidate to play next season but all signs are that he’s set to stay in the 2024 class. There are also signs that his recruitment is still fairly open, with a number of big names reportedly in the mix. Between past and future visits, there seems to be a list of nine programs that have at least a small chance to land him. Here’s a look at who they are and what they have to offer the five-star big man.
Auburn Tigers
Coach Bruce Pearl has had a nice run with centers. He took former five-star prospect Walker Kessler and made him into a first-round pick and an All-NBA rookie with the Utah Jazz. And Morehead State transfer Johni Broome was very successful this past season with the Tigers, leading them in both points and rebounds.
Broome was in the NBA Draft process but opted to come back. He’s likely back for one more year, as well as backup big man, Dylan Cardwell. The frontcourt is going to be wide open at Auburn and Bidunga would be the focal point inside and a chance to play in the SEC as well.