4-Star PF Niko Bundalo breaks down his recruitment
Niko Bundalo checks in as the No. 32 overall player in the 2025 On3 150. He is the No. 5 power forward in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking.
“I would say versatility is a big part of my game,” Bundalo told On3. “Me being able to do everything and being able to impact the game in multiple ways. Not just being an offensive or defensive guy, but coming in and when my shot might not be falling, and going to rebound or block shots. Me constantly being able to impact the game is what I would say is my game.”
Bundalo transferred to Hudson (OH) Western Reserve Academy. He showed up for an impressive start to the season at the National Prep Showcase in New Haven, Connecticut.
“I watch a lot of Anthony Davis with his ability to play on the perimeter and inside, as a forward,” Bundalo said. “His rebounding ability, when he wants to, but when Anthony Davis is playing his kind of basketball, he’s one of the best players in the world.”
On3 caught up with four-star Niko Bundalo after a live viewing at the National Prep Showcase.
“I haven’t taken any official visits yet, and I haven’t set any yet,” Bundalo said. “I have taken unofficial visits to Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, and Penn State, so far. They have all offered.”
Bundalo Talks Visits
Ohio State: “They had a guy that, that I personally knew, Malaki Branham. I watched him play at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s because that’s around where I’m from. I don’t watch college basketball as much as I did, so, I didn’t realize how much of a jump he made from that first half up until January 1st and then after January 1st. Just to kind of how it took him a little bit of time to get that traction and when it clicked how good of a player he really was after.”
Pittsburgh: “Something I really value about them is just the kind of culture that they bring. I think that they produce players that are dogs, players that come in there and play gritty. They defend, rebound, and do the things that you’re supposed to do at the next level. I think that’s why Coach (Jeff) Capel has been so good.”
Michigan State: “Me and Coach (Tom) Izzo, that’s my guy. I really like what he brings to the table, just the ‘Spartan Dog’ mentality that they have over there. He doesn’t care where you’re from or what kind of background you might have. If you’re his kind of player, he’s gonna go all in to recruit you and that’s something II I appreciate. He really cares about the guys he brings into his family. When you’re there, the kind of relationship that I saw he had with the players; he asks them about their parents, asks them what kind of things going on in their life that’s not even basketball related.”
Penn State: “Coach (Mike) Rhoades was just talking about using me in a way that I would like to be used when it comes to versatility. Being able to go out there and play my kind of game whether that’s in the post or mid post or three ball and then guarding. The defensive schemes they have and the kind of guys that they brought in, like Puff Johnson, who played with Wildcats Select, which is my AAU program, just hearing his personal experience and how his transition was from North Carolina to Penn State, that was a good experience.”
In Niko Bundalo’s Words
“I haven’t had many conversations with teams about official visits, yet,” Niko Bundalo said. “Right now, I’m looking at the season; getting better and winning games. I’m just trying to play this season out and going from there.
“Culture is a word that a lot of schools like to use. I think culture breeds a certain kind of person. I want to go somewhere that will get me prepared for the next level. Ultimately, I want to be a professional. I’ll look for somewhere where the people care about the players and the players care about the coaches. I think that family atmosphere is something that’s really valuable in college basketball and that’s something I’m looking for.
“To be honest, the specific way I like to be played is to put me wherever you think I’m going to make the most impact. I want to go to college and win games. Ultimately, I don’t, I don’t care about stats. If I go out there, and we get the dub, then I did something right. With coaching and the recruitment and stuff like that, there’s one thing that I want them to know is they can put me wherever they want to put me. As long as they think that’s somewhere where I can make an impact and I can go out there and help my team win a game.”