Why KU basketball coach Bill Self remains cautious about star freshman Flory Bidunga

Freshman big man Flory Bidunga looked like a veteran in Kansas’ blowout win over Howard on Monday night.

Bidunga finished with 10 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting with seven rebounds. Although Bidunga is still a raw offensive talent, he created his own shot on several occasions, including a baby hook and post-spin that led to a layup.

Overall, KU coach Bill Self liked what he saw from the talented freshman vs. Howard.

“I thought Flory looked pretty good tonight,” Self said. “He’s so athletic and the steal he made in the open court — to finish like that as a center? That’s pretty good.”

Bidunga fills a big-man archetype the Jayhawks have lacked for a few years now — a rim runner who also can protect the rim.

Bidunga’s athleticism puts tremendous pressure on opposing teams. He’s a constant lob threat and attacks the rim. Bidunga did just that a few times vs. Howard, resulting in an open dunk or alley-oop finish.

“I was just focused on bringing the energy for the team, making sure that the second team is not letting down everybody’s energy,” Bidunga said.

Bidunga might be KU’s most athletic big man since former freshman phenom Joel Embiid, now with the Philadelphia 76ers.

On defense, the freshman is a natural rim protector. Alabama transfer Rylan Griffen believes Bidunga is one of the best rim protectors he’s played with. And Bidunga showed another element against Howard, switching onto guards and staying on his feet while avoiding fouls.

He committed just one foul in 17 minutes.

The question mark, for now, hinges on his offense, which is still a work in progress.

Bidunga told The Star he spent the summer working on his jumper. Just don’t expect to see it too much this season. At least for now, the plan is for Bidunga to primarily be a lob threat.

Once Hunter Dickinson departs the Jayhawks after this season, Bidunga will get a chance to showcase himself there. That’s when the jumper development could come in handy.

For that, even while Bidunga flashed scoring instincts vs. Howard, it came with a caveat, Self said.

“It’s not real — I love the fact that he made those shots and everything, but Carolina will have little more beef laying on you,” Self said. “A little bit more height to contest and everything. Those are great confidence plays and it’s good to see. … But those will be harder shots moving forward.”

The Jayhawks host fellow blue blood UNC at Allen Fieldhouse on Friday. Tar Heels forward Jalen Washington will provide a formidable challenge in the paint.

Washington, listed at 6-10, 235 pounds, started for the Tar Heels in their win over Elon. He had eight points and four rebounds.

Although Bidunga comes off the bench, there’s a good chance both players will match up at some point. It’ll be the first real test of Bidunga’s college career.

No matter what happens on Friday, Dickinson has been impressed by the freshman’s play.

“He’s probably improved the most of any player,” Dickinson said. “A lot of it is just how hard he works and how hard he goes, whether it’s in practice or individual workouts. He’s super hungry to get better each and every day.

“That’s probably the main reason why he’s getting better at a rapid pace is because he’s just so eager to learn. He’s kind of a like a sponge out there trying to soak up all the information.”