Blue Devil Country

Upcoming Duke Basketball Visitor Eliminates Kentucky From Recruitment

Duke basketball could benefit from Kentucky dropping the ball in the Flory Bidunga sweepstakes.

Matt Giles

Upcoming Duke Basketball Visitor Eliminates Kentucky From Recruitment
Upcoming Duke Basketball Visitor Eliminates Kentucky From Recruitment /
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While there's still no report of a Duke basketball offer in the hands of Kokomo (Ind.) center Flory Bidunga, some Kentucky basketball insiders are now practically conceding the battle to Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils.

Bidunga, who ranks No. 4 overall and No. 1 at his position on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, will be in Durham for a three-day official visit beginning Tuesday. And according to Kentucky Sports Radio's Jack Pilgrim, the 6-foot-9, 220-pound five-star bruiser told the Kentucky staff this week that he's no longer considering the Wildcats.

KSR's Adam Stratton suggested that Kentucky head coach John Calipari's late scramble to land more 2023 talents for next season's roster "may have come at the expense" of the Wildcats' pursuit of Bidunga. Stratton also noted that the Congo native "will give the official visit he originally slotted for Kentucky to Duke instead."

He's already taken official visits to Auburn, Florida, Kansas, and Michigan as he looks to decide on a college destination in late July or early August, per IndyStar Sports.

Despite others having chased after him longer, it sounds like Duke is by no means too late. The Blue Devils may even be the most intriguing option for Bidunga, who became the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 20.2 points, 13.8 boards, and 4.5 blocks last season.

"I'm interested," he confirmed to IndyStar Sports last week. "It's obviously one of the top schools. This will be my first time to Duke, so I'm looking forward to it. The coaching style is really important, and meeting the coaches, of course. All of that stuff together."

After checking out the Blue Devils in person this week, Flory Bidunga will try to schedule an official visit to home-state hopeful Indiana for sometime in July.

RELATED: List of Every Recruit Holding a Duke Offer

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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