Kansas, Bill Self Receive Major Recruiting News on Wednesday
Kansas, Bill Self Receive Major Recruiting News on Wednesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The college basketball recruiting cycle never really ends. As June winds down, players are still shifting schools while coaches continue shaping their rosters for the 2025-26 season.
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Kansas head coach Bill Self got a boost on Wednesday, landing a key frontcourt addition who could make an impact in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks picked up Paul Mbiya, a 6-foot-11, 260-pound center with a 7-foot-7 wingspan. Mbiya adds size, depth and much-needed rim protection to a Kansas team with Final Four aspirations.
Joe Tipton of On3 Sports broke the news:
"Congolese big man Paul Mbiya, a former NC State signee, has committed to Kansas, source tells @On3Recruits. The 6-11, 260-pound 20-year-old center boasts a 7-7 wingspan."
Mbiya hit the open market last week after decommitting from the NC State Wolfpack, where he had been pledged for just over a month. Kansas beat out Dana Altman and the Oregon Ducks for his services.
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Mbiya began his development at the NBA Academy Africa before moving to France to play for ASVEL Villeurbanne, where he averaged 15.5 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.
Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self.© Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
He becomes the second major pickup for Kansas in as many days. The Jayhawks also added Kohl Rosario, bringing the scholarship count to 13 of the 14 available spots.
Mbiya will likely compete with Flory Bidunga for minutes at the center position. His commitment likely ends Kansas' pursuit of fellow bigs Ege Demir and Brice Dessert.
The Jayhawks are looking to bounce back after a frustrating 21-13 campaign, including an 11-9 mark in Big 12 play. Their season began with a No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press preseason poll and ended in disappointment with a first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament to John Calipari's Arkansas Razorbacks.
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Kansas has reloaded and retooled. With Mbiya in the mix, they're once again aiming for a deep March run.
Related: Duke Basketball Gets Good Recruiting News on Monday
Related: Khaman Maluach Sends Message to Cooper Flagg After NBA Draft Decision
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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