Bill Self expects Flory Bidunga to shine against Duke

On By Littum

Flory Bidunga, a promising 6-foot-9 forward for Kansas, is averaging 8.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game despite a recent minor ankle injury. His shooting is impressive at 82.6% from the field and he is expected to play against the no. 12 Duke. Coach Bill Self expressed optimism for Bidunga’s recovery, indicating he should be all set after dental surgery. Kansas, which is ranked No. 1, faces a challenge against a formidable Duke team that boasts several high-caliber freshmen. Duke standout Cooper Flagg has been pivotal, averaging 17.8 points and drawing significant attention.

By the numbers

  • Flory Bidunga: 8.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, shooting 82.6% from the field.
  • Duke’s Cooper Flagg: 17.8 PPG, shooting 45% from the field.

Yes, but

Duke’s depth and talent also pose a challenge for Kansas, where Flagg is backed by three other freshmen averaging in double figures. Self noted that Flagg could significantly impact this season, potentially skewing his numbers given the wealth of talent around him.

In-game status

  • Kansas is 4-1 and faces Duke with considerable hype and expectations.
  • Duke’s only loss came from a close game against No. 19 Kentucky, indicating their competitive advantage.

What’s next

Tuesday night’s game between Kansas and Duke will be an important test for both teams, especially for first-year talent under the spotlight. Kansas aims to solidify their number one ranking while Duke seeks revenge for their only loss.

Bottom line

The game is set to showcase elite student talent with implications for rankings, and Bidunga’s performance could impact Kansas’ success against a deeply talented Duke team.