Flory Bidunga, a top-ranked college basketball prospect, is faced with a lucrative offer to stay in school, potentially resetting the market for big men. With a projected NBA draft slot at No. 29, Bidunga could make roughly $2.3 million next season, but he is reportedly seeking $5 million from schools, as college basketball offers higher payouts than the NBA right now. The implications of his decision will affect other prospects contemplating the same dilemma, particularly the eight centers ranked in the Big Board, many of whom may also choose to return to college for better financial prospects.

By the Numbers
  • Bidunga averaged 13 points and 9 rebounds per game this season.
  • Projected salaries for NBA draft picks: No. 15鈥�$3.88M, No. 20鈥�$3.05M, No. 25鈥�$2.49M, No. 30鈥�$2.29M.
State of Play
  • Bidunga's decision could serve as a litmus test for other prospects in the college basketball landscape.
  • Michigan, Arizona, and Duke are actively preparing for contingencies in light of potential departures from their frontcourts.
  • The financial offer in college basketball may be significantly more attractive than NBA salaries for many prospects.
What's Next

If Bidunga chooses to stay in college, it may prompt more top-ranked big men to reconsider staying in school rather than entering the NBA draft. This shift could disrupt traditional timelines and recruitment practices, forcing college programs to adapt quickly to retain top talent. The landscape of college basketball may see increased competition for big men as teams respond to these changing dynamics.

Bottom Line

In a historic shift, the potential economic incentives for college basketball players, particularly big men like Bidunga, are leading to reconsiderations about NBA entry. It underscores a trend where staying in school could be more profitable than risking a draft slot, fundamentally altering recruitment strategies for college programs nationwide.