Niko Bundalo, a five-star recruit from Windsor, California, has narrowed down his list of offers. The 6-foot-10 power forward will now choose to start his collegiate career at one of these programs: Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State or UConn.
Bundalo, who made an official visit to North Carolina on Friday, released his short list on Instagram on Wednesday.
Bundalo announced his final eight schools, a list which included Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Texas and Xavier on Aug. 5. The Prolific Prep player ranks at the 25th spot nationally, seventh at the power forward position and at the fourth spot in California.
On3's Jamie Shaw commended Bundalo for his passing abilities and his comfort on the ball:
“Niko Bundalo is a skilled lefty with size," Shaw wrote. "Listed at 6-10, he is comfortable on the ball, pushing the break under control. His teams (both HS and AAU) line him up at various spots in the half-court and run offense through him. He is a good passer and processes reads quickly."
What did Niko Bundalo say about his top 4 Colleges?
Michigan State sent an offer for Bundalo on Sept. 18, 2023, and he officially visited the Spartans on Sept. 6. While talking to On3, Bundalo mentioned the presence of Spartans' coach Tom Izzo as a major attraction and praised him for 'cementin' a culture of excellence.
North Carolina sent over an offer to Bundalo on June 20 and Bundalo made his official visit on Oct. 4. He commended North Carolina coach Hubert Davis while talking about the program:
“Me and Coach Davis have built a relationship over these past few months to where I feel like I can talk to him and let him know anything. He’s been a really, really good recruiter for me. He’s really been the main guy recruiting me, so when the dude running the team is the main one recruiting you, it’s hard not to trust him."
Ohio State has the highest odds of landing Niko Bundalo (31.1% according to On3). He visited the Buckeyes on Sept. 21. Bundalo also said that he resonated with the program because he was born and raised in Ohio. Speaking to On3, he mentioned that Jake Diebler, who was his lead recruiter, taking over as coach makes the program appealing to him.
The final name on his list was UConn. They have an 11.8% prediction to recruit Bundalo, according to On3. This is what the Top 25 recruit said about the program:
“The resume speaks for itself. Coach (Dan) Hurley has won back-to-back national championships. He’s built a relationship with me. From talking to his players and the guys he’s had around the program, everybody loves his intensity."
Which college do you think we will see Niko Bundalo in next season?