Kansas forward Flory Bidunga is planning to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft with a caveat that he maintains his college eligibility. Despite this, he is open to a return to college and entering the NCAA transfer portal. This decision comes after he was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in blocks and averaging 13.3 points per game. Despite declaring for the draft, Bidungas is able to retain his NCAA eligibility through a complex process that allows players to maintain their amateur status. However, if a player is selected by a team, their eligibility is immediately forfeited. The NCAA has proposed changes to its eligibility rules, including a potential ban on athletes who have entered and remained in a pro sports draft from playing at the collegiate level if approved by the Division I cabinet.