Paul Mbiya: The Unexpected X-Factor for Kansas in the NCAA Tournament

Sometimes, the most astute coaches keep their strategies close to the vest until the moment demands it. Bill Self, head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, may have been doing just that with freshman Paul Mbiya. Prior to tonight, Mbiya had seen limited action, logging just 77 minutes throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

However, in Kansas’s 68-60 victory over California Baptist in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, Mbiya stepped up in a significant way. The Congolese big man proved to be one of the most impactful Jayhawks on the court, making crucial contributions in both halves.

A Breakout Performance

Surprisingly, Mbiya was among the first substitutes Self called upon in the first half, and he seized the opportunity. He recorded a season-high eight points – a remarkable increase from his total of 14 points for the entire season leading up to the game – and finished with a team-best +15 plus-minus. This statistic highlights his positive impact on the game while he was on the floor.

Mbiya didn’t just contribute statistically. He showcased a newfound composure, something fans hadn’t witnessed before. He executed an impressive alley-oop dunk and secured a pair of crucial second-chance points early in his stint. His performance was a stark contrast to some of his earlier appearances this season, where he appeared hesitant.

Addressing a Need in the Paint

With Bryson Tiller struggling, and California Baptist aggressively attacking the offensive glass, Self turned to Mbiya to support Flory Bidunga in the paint. At 6-foot-10 with a remarkable 7-foot-7 wingspan, Mbiya possesses the physical tools to be a formidable defender. His length allows him to effectively contest shots simply by extending his arms.

While undeniably raw, Mbiya isn’t without potential. He’s still developing his ball-handling skills and refining his offensive game, occasionally fumbling passes. However, he demonstrated improvement in this game, even executing a crafty up-and-under post move for a layup.

What if Paul Mbiya shuts down Zuby on Sunday like a young Cole Aldrich helped shut down Tyler Hansborough back in the day?

– Dillon Davis (@dillondavis3) March 21, 2026

A Unique Background

Mbiya’s journey to Kansas is unique. He brings professional experience from his time with ASVEL Villeurbanne in France, a highly respected European club. He honed his skills at the NBA Academy Africa, demonstrating his dedication to the sport. His strength and athleticism are already at a high level, allowing him to compete with some of the world’s best athletes. NBA Academy Africa provides a pathway for talented African players.

Whether Mbiya will see further action against St. John’s remains to be seen, but his performance in the first round has undoubtedly earned him consideration. Regardless, a freshman who had seen minimal playing time throughout the season contributed to a crucial tournament win – a remarkable achievement in itself.

This article was originally published on Sports Illustrated as “This Kansas Freshman Is the Secret Weapon Bill Self Was Saving for March.”