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Louisville Secures Top Portal Stars Bidunga and Shelstad

ESPN General •
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Louisville has landed two of the nation's top transfer portal targets for the 2026-27 season, with former Kansas center Flory Bidunga and Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad committing to the Cardinals, according to ESPN sources. The moves position Pat Kelsey's program as an early contender in the ACC, with Bidunga ranked No. 1 and Shelstad No. 11 in Jeff Borzello's portal rankings.

Bidunga, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound sophomore, brings impressive credentials after averaging 13.3 points and 9.0 rebounds at Kansas. His low-post dominance and defensive presence, leading the Big 12 in blocked shots at 2.6 per game, make him a transformative addition. Shelstad, despite playing just 12 games last season due to injury, averaged 15.6 points and 4.9 assists, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills from his three-year tenure at Oregon.

The commitments represent a major victory for Louisville's recruiting efforts, as the Cardinals simultaneously secured two elite portal targets. This aggressive approach demonstrates the program's commitment to building a championship-caliber team under Kelsey, who has already led Louisville to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances in his first two seasons.