College Basketball
Niko Bundalo Recruiting: Ole Miss Overtakes UNC In Battle for Former Washington Commit
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Niko Bundalo is back on the market and he’s now the top unsigned player in the 2025 class. The 6’10” McDonald’s All-American recently decommitted from Washington and immediately became one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. A left-handed stretch four with vision, touch, and ball-handling skill, Bundalo has drawn interest from several high-major programs.
Ole Miss Takes Lead After Latest Visit
Bundalo recently took an official visit to Ole Miss, prompting many to believe that they Rebels have overtaken the Tar Heels in the chase for one of the top remaining recruits in the 2025 class.
Head coach Chris Beard has been tasked with retooling a roster that lost several high-profile contributors after leading the program to its second-ever trip to the Sweet 16. Forward Malik Dia is expected to take a step forward after averaging 10.8 points per game in just over 20 minutes of action but the remaining spots are up for grabs. Ole Miss has already secured commitments from top-100 recruits in Tylis Jordan and Patton Pinkens, along with a pair of high-profile transfers in Corey Chest and A.J. Storr.
Bundalo’s path to playing time is complicated with Dia, Chest, and Louisville transfer James Scott all expected to occupy rotation spots in the front court, but Bundalo could still work his way onto the court, thanks to his motor and his penchant for crashing the offensive glass. Bundalo could be a key contributor as a freshman and a player who could develop into a future star in Mississippi as he grows into his frame.
North Carolina Recruiting: Tar Heels Are the Favorites
UNC is believed to be among the frontrunners for Bundalo, especially following a lackluster effort to secure top talent in the transfer portal. They were a finalist before Bundalo originally committed to Washington and have remained involved behind the scenes. Hubert Davis already has 6’9” forward Caleb Wilson in the 2025 class, but there’s room for both to share the court in Chapel Hill. Wilson is more interior-oriented, while Bundalo thrives in face-up and perimeter actions.
The fit is natural and UNC’s system allows mobile forwards to initiate offense, play in space, and shoot from range. Bundalo’s ing and versatility would give the Tar Heels a different dynamic up front, and early playing time is likely available, especially after Drake Powell decided to keep his name in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Kansas State Recruiting: Wildcats a Legit Contender
Kansas State might not be the obvious pick, but they’re a real option. Jerome Tang has built his program around flexibility and skill, and Bundalo fits that mold. K-State lets its forwards handle the ball, shoot, and create mismatche. Bundalo could thrive in that kind of system.
The Wildcats also offer a clearer path to early minutes. The 2025 frontcourt isn’t crowded, and Tang has shown he’ll hand over responsibility to impact newcomers. Players like Keyontae Johnson and Arthur Kaluma saw expanded roles under Tang, and Bundalo could follow a similar path.
The Wildcats can also pitch a balance between usage and development. There’s less pressure than a blue blood, more opportunity to be featured, and a recent history of player growth that would appeal to a high-upside prospect looking for NBA development. While Ole Miss and UNC are still in the lead, the combination of immediate playing time and the chance to become a future cornerstone of a rising basketball program could appeal to Bundalo as he makes his college decision.
Other Programs to Watch for Niko Bundalo
Ohio State remains in the picture as his home-state school. They were in his original top group and still have a need in the frontcourt. Michigan State, UConn, and St. John’s have all been mentioned, though their paths to playing time are a bit more crowded.
Top Uncommitted Basketball Recruit in 2025: What’s Next?
4⭐️ Niko Bundalo decommitted from Washington 🚨 Where do you want to see him hoop in college???@slam_university pic.twitter.com/oD3ABDKMns
— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) April 29, 2025
Bundalo averaged 14.5 points and nearly 6 rebounds per game on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, flashing the inside-out game that made him a consensus top-30 recruit. His size, feel, and versatility make him one of the most intriguing unsigned players left.
With Ole Miss in the lead and UNC making a strong case, his recruitment is wide open again but likely won’t stay that way for long.
