Top-25 recruit Niko Bundalo names final four schools

Nikola Bundalo, a four-star power forward in the 2025 class, is down to four schools. Moving forward, the 6-foot-10 senior out of Prolific Prep (CA) will consider Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State, and UConn.

Bundalo, a native of Ohio, has taken official visits to each of his finalists.

He previously considered programs like Kentucky, Pitt, Xavier, Texas, and Kansas.

Bundalo is the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He’s also the No. 7 power forward prospect. The On3 Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Niko Bundalo talks programs involved

In a recent interview with On3, Niko Bundalo discussed several of the schools recruiting him.

Michigan State: “When you think about a Hall of Fame coach in college basketball, it’s hard not to think of coach Izzo. He’s been there for a really, really long time and I think that’s good because he has cemented a culture. The day-to-day expectations that the guys are required to fill. Like, you have to show up to work. They take that ‘Spartan Dawg’ saying really, really seriously. Coach Izzo and coach Wojcik have really been huge in recruiting me over there. They’ve been really getting to know my family and really building a deep connection.”

North Carolina: “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. Me and coach Davis have had some really, really meaningful conversations. He actually saw me at youth camp when I was younger, in the 8th grade. It’s an unbelievable program and he’s an unbelievable guy and an unbelievable coaching staff.”

Ohio State: “They’ve really intrigued me from the jump just because I’m an Ohio kid and I was born and raised there. For me, having that opportunity that coach Diebler was my lead recruiter when coach Holtmann was still there. Now that he has the head coaching job, it really only made it a better situation for me. I really love what coach Diebler has done with the team and the relationship that he’s created with every single one of his guys is great. I think they all trust him. Having a team that completely trusts you really, really, really leads to successful teams. You think about some of the best teams that went on to win National Championships are the guys that trust each other the most and are willing to go to war. I think he breeds that kind’ve family environment.”

UConn: “The resume speaks for itself. Coach 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. His ability to bring it every single day and the standard he holds his guys to is second to none. That brings winning culture.”

Scouting Report

“Niko Bundalo is a skilled lefty with size. 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. A threat as a jump shooter, he will need to continue working on his shot load as it can get a little long, but the base balance and release are consistent with spot shooting. He has embracing being more of a mismatch 4/5 and his game has gone to another level. He finishes well toward the rim. A good area rebounder and is a threat to start the offense. He will need to get stronger and continue to tighten the handle and shot (play with a lower center of gravity). There is a lot of production already in play here and a game that continues to evolve each time you see him. He is very competitive also.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw