Paul Mbiya staying put

The Kansas men's basketball team will officially have two players returning next season who were on scholarship during the 2025-26 season.

That's thanks to freshman big man Paul Mbiya announcing today that he would stay at KU instead of seeking other opportunities elsewhere.

Mbiya, you may recall, initially announced his intent to enter the transfer portal. But he never officially went in. And that allowed him to work out a way to return to Kansas for a second season under Bill Self.

Breaking: Kansas big man Paul Mbiya will return to Kansas for his sophomore season, source tells @247sports

“I’m staying at the University of Kansas.
This decision comes from the heart. Through every challenge, every doubt, and every moment of adversity, I’ve grown stronger. I’m… pic.twitter.com/AvE6QS6mqd
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) April 22, 2026

It remains to be seen how big Mbiya's role will be in Year 2. A lot of that will be up to him and the work he puts in over the offseason. But there's little doubt that the 7-foot, 245-pound big man was trending in the right direction at the end of the season.

Mbiya played by far his two most meaningful games as a Jayhawk during KU's NCAA Tournament run in San Diego. He recorded 8 points, 3 rebounds and a block on 4-of-5 shooting in KU's Round 1 win over Cal-Baptist. And he followed that up with an even more impressive 4 points, 6 rebounds and a block in 13 minutes in a second-round loss to St. John's.

There's a lot to like about his game and yet still a lot of raw to it, as well. He's big. And he does seem to understand how to use his body both to benefit himself around the rim and to help his teammates.

But he could stand to get more athletic and quicker, which may come with a better understanding of the college game and a full season now under his belt.

Time will tell how that all works out. But whether he plays big minutes and a big role or is merely a depth piece that still has a bunch of upside, having another player back from last season — he joins Kohl Rosario as the only two returners — will go a long way toward helping Kansas fill out its 2026-27 roster.

The Jayhawks still have plenty of spots to fill and are in need of added talent at nearly all five positions. But, with Mbiya back in the mix, that's one less spot they have to worry about.