Five-star incoming junior Niko Bundalo talks his recruitment
It’s been a breakout summer for Uniontown, Ohio’s Niko Bundalo. The 6-foot-10 forward, who attends Western Reserve Academy now after spending his first two seasons at Green, is amidst a huge last two months that began with a high-major offer from Xavier and has now turned into 15+ scholarship offers.
His most recent offers? Virginia and Purdue, are two major offers.
This past season at Green, Bundalo posted very solid numbers for a sophomore that was surrounded by some top-notch upperclassmen talent. Despite that, Green posted totals of 12.5 points and nearly 6.0 boards per game.
Bundalo is joining a Western Reserve Academy squad that played together for the first time this summer and didn’t disappoint. Bundalo is teaming up with Marquette commits Royce Parham and Damarius Owens, both of whom are Top-75 prospects in the 2024 class. Bundalo is the icing on the cake and meshes extremely well with those two.
Last month, entering the contact period, Bundalo’s rise began but he wasn’t quite the well-known prospect yet despite being an elite talent. I think the whole country is now aware of the Top-25 prospect and he has now become a known commodity.
He’s a 6-foot-9 prospect with a 7-foot wingspan and has an elite skill set.
Bundalo talked about his recruitment and game with Stockrisers.com
Which schools are the heaviest involved?
“A lot of the schools I have offers from are the daily contact schools because they have all recently just finished their 2024 recruiting class.”
Are any newer schools in the mix?
“Michigan State is still in there, Virginia, Virginia Tech.”
Thoughts on your Virginia offer and the program as a whole?
“I really like the program. It’s in the ACC, so you have an opportunity to play for and against some of the most legendary programs of all time.”
Michigan State, thoughts on Coach Izzo and the program?
“I mean, Hall-of-fame coach and a phenomenal staff. They are a hard-nosed program known for grinding and getting better.”
How about Virginia Tech?
“Beat both North Carolina and Duke last year I think, so their strength as a program speaks for itself and it’s all about winning for them.”
Are you planning any visits?
“Michigan State is probably the first visit I’ll take after the dead period. Penn State and Pittsburgh will probably be soon after. Also Illinois and Ohio State.”
How would you best overall breakdown your game?
“If I have to pick a word, I’d say versatility. Just overall, being able to do anything on a basketball court.”
What areas of your game are you looking to improve?
“Really just refining things in my bag, just trying to get as college ready as possible.”