John Calipari won't get a visit from Flory Bidunga. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky coach John Calipari is still trying to add pieces to his 2023 recruiting class to bolster next year’s roster along with doing what he can to help former players in the upcoming NBA draft.
Maybe that’s why he’s not had time to communicate with 6-9 junior center Flory Bidunga, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo now living and playing high school basketball in Indiana. He’s the consensus No. 1 center in the 2024 recruiting class and a top-five player overall.
But now Kentucky Sports Radio’s Jack Pilgrim has reported that Bidunga has told the Kentucky coaching staff that he’s no longer interested in the Wildcats even though after he was named co-most outstanding player at the Pangos All-American Game two weeks ago he talked about how much he loved Calipari and assistant Orlando Antigua.
Instead of saving an official visit for Kentucky, Bidunga will now visit Duke. If that’s not bad enough for UK fans, note that Duke is now emerging as the favorite to get the best big in the 2024 recruiting class.
There’s no guarantee Kentucky would have secured a commitment from Bidunga if he had visited. However, not scheduling a visit with him certainly guaranteed he would not pick the Cats.
In fairness, Calipari cannot comment on recruiting and maybe Kentucky had valid reasons for not scheduling a visit.
7 Responses
I understand the point of this article but I believe there must be more to this story than what we now know. I heard the interview on the Sunday Sports Talk show yesterday too.
I doubt that Calipari will respond to legitimate questions, but if this issue stands on the current information available, it does not serve him well. I would hope that Calipari would offer a cogent explanation for this situation.
I cannot image Calipari ever neglecting a top recruit, having no interest in accommodating visits to the UK facilities for a top recruit, or any of the other issues suggested by this situation.
I hope Larry will seek those answers straight from the horse’s mouth. If he declines to answer or deflects, then it will be on him, but I would love to hear his explanation.
Easier to talk to the Pope than Calipari
The constant negative posts twisted to Boldly proclaim “Calipari has made the worst mistake ever” is getting old.
I have a hope that well thought-out, intelligent comments would be the norm.
I, personally, have never been big on Cal or Pitino or Coach K or…any of the overly pious coaches who are empowered by ‘unreal for the game’s health’ salary packages.
However, players choose different schools every year for different reason. It is what it is.
Add NIL and the easy transfer situation, schools that would not been attractive to 5-stars now become relevant.
These are 17-19 year old kids who have worked hard, practiced, got the grades, passed the tests, made good decisions, etc. looking at a buffet of opportunities. And, kids from non Bluebloods are getting drafted high. And, AAU, Nike Circuit, etc. are pumping out kids ranked in the 100s that are better than top ten players from 15 years ago.
And, these kids see the negativity from UK fans who take the college game way to seriously…grown men who are addicted to college sports.
I encourage you to start attending D2 school sports where there are no scholarships and the coaches have to teach classes. Great competition and the athletes are competing and trying to win for the name on their jersey…and happily preparing for a career that will be available due to a great education. Centre is a great example.
Negativity based on basically gossip is getting tiresome.
Actually I watch Division III Centre in a lot of sports. No negativity here other than highly ranked recruit dropped UK from his list because he could not schedule a visit.
Larry. The comment was not about your article. I read your stuff because you are balanced, talk about family a great deal, and share articles about other sport athletes. Really like your special interest stuff.
And, thanks for the D3 correction. I am a Berry grad and always try to catch the Berry/Centre football games as I had friends attend there in the 80s/90s.
Keep doing what you are doing. Your writing would make me feel good about sending my child to Lexington.
I live in the North Georgia Mts. and see/hear so much homerism from the Dog fans. Good example was the constant drudging of a great man, Richt. I get disappointed by the the negative, vitriolic comments by KY fans.
I am a Kentucky boy (family from Horse Cave and Louisa as parents met at Campbellsville College) at heart and I do not like seeing evidential proof of the the low view many SEC fans have about UK fans.
Okay, got your Crash. Sorry
Yo, Larry. It’s Democratic Republic of Congo. Not the Dominican Republic of Congo. Would be a good idea to not conflate countries if you want to be taken as a serious journalist.