Florrie Vidunga’s Summer Decisions
Kansas forward Florrie Vidunga is weighing his options this summer.
After finishing his second season with the Jayhawks, Vidunga intends to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft, while still keeping his college eligibility intact. This was reported recently by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Moreover, he has also entered the NCAA transfer portal, leaving the door open for a possible return to college basketball.
Vidunga’s decision comes on the heels of a standout season where he led the conference in blocks and averaged 13.3 points per game. He was recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, which is quite an accolade.
“I’m really glad that Flory is getting the recognition he deserves,” said Kansas head coach Bill Self. “In my opinion, he’s the most versatile and best defender in our league, and trust me, there are talented defenders out there.”
Self added that Vidunga has improved significantly, particularly in learning to play smart and not just relying on instinct. “The biggest step has been understanding his length and not the need to gamble,” he noted.
This summer, although declaring for the draft, Vidunga is eligible to maintain his college status, thanks to a complex set of regulations surrounding amateurism in college sports.
To keep their eligibility, players must apply as early admission candidates, request evaluations from the Faculty Advisory Committee by the April deadline, and either hire an NCAA-certified agent or skip hiring an agent altogether.
Additionally, players need to participate in the NBA Draft Combine and must notify their college of their plans to return following the draft.
However, if a player gets drafted, their eligibility is instantly revoked—a rule meant to protect NBA teams and their draft selections.
Players can enter and withdraw from the draft twice, a system that aims to give them insight into the process while helping to enhance their visibility, or in Vidunga’s case, navigate the transfer portal.
This trend has notably gained traction among NCAA athletes recently, with figures like Bronny James opting for a similar route before the 2024 NBA Draft. James was ultimately chosen by the Lakers with the 55th pick, rendering him ineligible for college basketball.
In response to these developments, the NCAA has expressed concern and is considering changes to its eligibility rules, including restricting players who remain in the professional draft from participating in college sports.
If changes are approved by the NCAA Division I Cabinet, they could take effect for college athletes this fall.
“These proposed changes are part of our ongoing efforts to modernize the regulations for today’s college sports landscape,” Illinois State Athletic Director Josh Whitman, who heads the Cabinet, said. “As we continue to review all eligibility rules, we aim to establish clear standards that apply equally to both current and prospective student-athletes.”
