Paul Mbiya chooses Kansas and joins one of NCAA’s most prestigious programs

Paul Mbiya, a 6’11 » center who came through ASVEL’s youth academy, will indeed play in the United States next season, but not at North Carolina State as initially announced. The Kinshasa native has committed to Kansas, a historic NCAA program, for the 2025-2026 season.

SIGNED.

🔴 Paul Mbiya
🔵 Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
🔗 https://t.co/1O6gtWKfMi#RockChalk pic.twitter.com/hQj9y7RbGr

— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) June 25, 2025

A prestigious choice for ASVEL’s young center

Initially announced to join North Carolina State, Paul Mbiya ultimately chose Kansas, one of the most renowned universities in American college basketball. By joining the Jayhawks, the 19-year-old center moves to a higher level, joining an institution that boasts 28 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and over 2,300 Division I victories.

Noticed for his solid performances with ASVEL’s U21 team, Mbiya signed a financial agreement with the University of Kansas, as announced by coach Bill Self. « Paul is tall, a true 6’11 » with a 7’8″ wingspan. He fits perfectly with our style of play. He’s an immediate impact player, » commented the coach in the program’s official press release.

Promising statistics with ASVEL’s U21 team

During the 2024-2025 season, Paul Mbiya averaged 15.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 23 U21 ELITE games. He also made three appearances with the professional team in Betclic ELITE, where he understandably had limited playing time (0.3 points and 0.7 rebounds in 3 games). He had a more notable contribution during his six EuroLeague appearances, particularly against ALBA Berlin.

Previously part of the NBA Academy Africa, he had already gained international recognition in 2022 when selected for Basketball Without Borders, an event gathering the best young players from the African continent.

He takes the spot left vacant by Brice Dessert

With this choice, Paul Mbiya takes the spot in the paint that some had envisioned for another French big man: Brice Dessert (6’11 », 22 years old), who was rumored to join Kansas, will ultimately not join the program. It’s therefore the young Congolese center who will form an imposing duo with Flory Bidunga under the Jayhawks’ blue jersey.