Kansas center Paul Mbiya (34) goes up for a shot against California Baptist during the first half on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Viejas Arena in San Diego. Photo by Nick Krug

The Kansas frontcourt will undergo a comprehensive revamp this offseason, as reserve center Paul Mbiya is set to enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports on Monday morning.

When the portal opens on Tuesday, Mbiya will be departing alongside forwards Flory Bidunga, who also plans to test the NBA waters, and Bryson Tiller.

After joining KU as a late addition over the summer of 2025 — he had initially been signed to N.C. State before encountering issues with his name, image and likeness, KU coach Bill Self said during the season — the freshman 7-footer with a 7-foot-8 wingspan did not play much for most of the year. Mbiya had averaged a double-double in the French under-21 league, but the native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had work to do to adapt to the collegiate game.

However, after a late-season stretch during which Self called him the team’s most improved player in recent weeks, Mbiya showed his high potential during the NCAA Tournament. The freshman tallied eight points, three rebounds and a block in KU’s first-round win over Cal Baptist, then four points (with three missed free throws), six boards and a block in the second-round loss to St. John’s. He garnered 16 minutes against CBU and 13 against St. John’s, both greater totals than he had played in any of his 19 games the rest of the year.

That had KU fans dreaming of what he might accomplish in a sophomore season, but it appears Mbiya will be headed elsewhere. He averaged 1.2 points on 68.8% shooting and 1.4 rebounds for the Jayhawks in his lone campaign in Lawrence.

With the expected departures of Bidunga, Mbiya and Tiller, along with presumptive top-three NBA Draft pick Darryn Peterson, KU now has five scholarship players with remaining eligibility who can choose to return: Corbin Allen, Samis Calderon, Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell and Kohl Rosario.