Mbiya, a towering 6-foot-10 player with an impressive 7-foot-7 wingspan, recently withdrew his National Letter of Intent (NLI) from NC State after committing to them for over a month. This move opened the door for a new round of recruitment, with top analysts highlighting Kansas and Oregon as the leading contenders for his talents. Ultimately, the Kansas Jayhawks emerged victorious after conducting a successful Zoom call with Mbiya, clearly demonstrating how well they could meet his aspirations.
Mbiya honed his skills at the renowned NBA Academy Africa and made a significant impact at ASVEL Villeurbanne in France, where he recorded an impressive average of 15.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and 1.1 steals over 23 games last season. His rapid development is remarkable, considering he has only been basketball for three years.
With Mbiya’s commitment, along with that of fellow player Kohl Rosario, Kansas has now filled 13 of its 14 scholarship spots, leaving just one available. This move likely sidelines the Jayhawks from pursuing other big men such as Ege Demir and Brice Dessert, as they have now secured a reliable backup for Flory Bidunga.
Coach Bill Self and his staff have admirably turned what seemed to be a challenging offseason into a highly successful late recruitment period, showcasing their ability to attract top talent swiftly. This success can refresh the team’s lineup and bolster their competitive standing in upcoming seasons, igniting hope for the future of Jayhawks basketball.