Nets pick Kansas wonder Flory Bidunga at No. 17 in ESPN’s mock draft

A consensus five-star recruit and a top-rated center of his class, Bidunga covers the middle of the Jayhawks program.
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It has been a challenging season, but this won't overshadow the bright future that the Brooklyn Nets are about to see and enjoy for years to come. Despite being emptied of their picks, they meanwhile replenished their draft chest by acquiring four unprotected first-round picks from the Phoenix Suns thanks to the Kevin Durant blockbuster trade — making themselves a prime team to watch who can make a groundbreaking move for a brand-new franchise star.

Nets land Bidunga at No. 17 of the 2025 Draft

The second first-round pick of the Nets from the Suns will officially come next year. Barring any moves that may occur, ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony landed the ball club at the No. 17 of his first 2025 Mock Draft, which they acquired young center Flory Bidunga out of Kansas.

Bidunga is one of the bright, young forces that is slated to enter the NBA

Bidunga, 18, is a renowned talent and formidable big men of the collegiate field. He is a five-star recruit and the top-ranked center in the Class of 2024.

With the promise and ultimate upside he poses as an expanding 6-foot-9 big man with defensive and shot-blocking wonder from Kokomo High School, Flory obtained 16 college offers but ultimately committed himself to the Jayhawks program. The Congolese prospect was hailed as the 2022-23 Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana, where he averaged 20.2 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 4.5 blocked shots last season.

While it is yet to be seen how he'll develop and flourish as an NBA-ready cager, it would be enticing to see how fate may ultimately work its wonders to align Bidunga to Brooklyn. As it is, only time can tell if this mock draft predictions of Givony for the Nets will materialize into reality.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.