The meteoric journey to the popularity that Flory Bidunga experienced on the national scene of high school basketball happened very rapidly. Bidunga came to Kokomo (Indiana) High School in 2021 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The 6-foot-9 potential with a high ceiling immediately eclipsed every expectation.
He had to travel more than 7,000 miles from his home to participate in the International Program at Kokomo High School. In addition to the fact that he is currently enrolled in college preparatory courses, he is fluent in five different languages. He has recently found out that he is a decent basketball player.
Special Skills
Bidunga has excellent hands and a soft touch around the hoop, allowing him to play above the rim easily. He has a silky lefty jump hook, can step back and shoot it from midrange, and can score with his back to the hoop. At this time in his career, he does not pose much of a threat to score from a distance, but he is capable of making 3-point shots, and this aspect of his game will almost surely be a part of his repertoire when he plays at the NBA level.
In the open court, he demonstrates a level of ball-handling talent that is admirable. Capable of ripping and running while also being able to propel the ball up the floor. His skills could be more mature, but the prospect is there, and you can see the possibility of what he could become with more experience.
He is an athlete of the highest caliber, possessing remarkable speed, quickness, and mobility, and he moves very well in the open court. He was born to play the game. Regarding the class that will graduate next year, Bidunga holds the fourth-best national ranking. Every college in the United States knows him, and a few have given him offers. There are six seniors on this squad, and they’ve all come together to support the team’s newest superstar. His coach is amazed at how much Flory has improved in just two short seasons.
Rise to Fame
Bidunga, who started playing basketball in 2019, initially dominated in front of college coaches during the NBPA Top-100 Camp in June 2022. The following year, he rose to prominence on the national stage by defeating the competition at the Adidas 3SSB Open and guiding his Indiana Elite team to victory in the U16 championship.
On 76.4% shooting for Indiana Elite in the summer before his junior season, he averaged 18.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.
What Does the Future Hold for Bidunga?
According to their moves, Indiana thinks they can sign Flory Bidunga, a 5-star center from Indiana’s class of 2024. Last month, the Class 4A State Finals game was played in Indianapolis. Indiana University sent its coaching staff, including head coach Mike Woodson and his three assistants, to witness the game. Gabe Cupps, a member of the class of 2023 who has committed to the school, was present. Cupps and Bidunga sat together for several Indiana University games during the previous season. Cupps appears mainly focused on assisting the coaching staff in signing the Kokomo High School player.
Bidunga finished the State Finals with 19 points, shooting 9 of 12 from the field. He was also responsible for blocking five shots while grabbing 11 rebounds. Several prominent high-major coaches, such as Kentucky’s John Calipari, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, and Michigan’s Juwan Howard, were present to observe Bidunga’s play.
Bidunga Boys Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year for Indiana
In March, Kokomo junior Flory Bidunga was named the boy’s basketball Gatorade Player of the Year for Indiana. The Gatorade Award honors “not only exceptional athletic quality but also high standards of educational achievement and outstanding character demonstrated both on and off the court.” With a grade point average of 3.41, Bidunga has established himself as one of the top five junior players in the country.
Class 4A State Final Display
Bidunga had a productive shooting night, hitting nine of 12 attempts for 19 points. He also pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked five shots. The fact that the No. 2 Wildkats fell to the unbeaten No. 1 Ben Davis team by a score of 53-41 did not prevent Bidunga from demonstrating why he is such an exceptional five-star prospect.
According to a recent report, New Albany sports director BJ McAlister stated that the Bulldogs would play host to Flory Bidunga and Kokomo on Saturday, December 2, 2023. The match is scheduled to take place at the Doghouse in New Albany. New Albany has invited a nationally ranked talent to play at the Doghouse for the second year. The Bulldogs hosted Gabe Cupps and Centerville (Ohio) in December of the previous year. Craig Teagle, introduced as the new coach of the New Albany Bulldogs just a week ago, will take over for Jim Shannon, who has decided to retire and lead the Bulldogs in the upcoming season. Let’s wait to see if this environment will influence Flory Bidunga’s decisions on his future and if he can progress toward his goals with these people.
Our View
Bidunga has had only two years to adapt to the culture of the United States since he left his country in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. Still, he has made significant progress. He’s more than just numbers and potential; he plays the game with an upbeat attitude and a constant smile, showing that he loves every minute.
