2025 Recruiting: Niko Bundalo Update

[FearThePups]

I'm beginning to think some of you people aren't happy without something to complain about. We could have the #1 class in the country and some of you would still complain about the guys we didn't get

It’s Connecticut after all.

 

[Umami Zen]

I'm liking the trend for 2025. Two studs on board. Looking forward to Wednesday's announcement. Epic class potential with more to come. What's not to like about how Danny and his staff are killin' it on their targets.

 

[JerseyAlum]

Mullins annoucement is in 2 days, right? That, if he's here and all crystal balls favor us ~80% likely, means Adams, Reibe, Mullins. Besides, Bundalo is more likely to go to Ohio State than UConn by almost every account I've read.

 

[RuffRuff]

Mullins annoucement is in 2 days, right? That, if he's here and all crystal balls favor us ~80% likely, means Adams, Reibe, Mullins. Besides, Bundalo is more likely to go to Ohio State than UConn by almost every account I've read.

Yup. Unless IU Vito Corleoned it with a bag offer Mullins can’t refuse in the last few days he should be coming. Haven’t seen many leans at all towards OSU, mainly toss up, would be curious to see where you’ve heard that and if before/after the Reibe commit.

 

[KemBuckets21]

Mullins annoucement is in 2 days, right? That, if he's here and all crystal balls favor us ~80% likely, means Adams, Reibe, Mullins. Besides, Bundalo is more likely to go to Ohio State than UConn by almost every account I've read.

Where did you see that he was an OSU lean? The only thingI saw was an article, I believe from on3, that suggested UConn was the leader for Niko at the time.

 

[JerseyAlum]

Where did you see that he was an OSU lean? The only thingI saw was an article, I believe from on3, that suggested UConn was the leader for Niko at the time.

Same: On3 has updated (when? dunno) to Ohio St 31%, Michigan St 22%, UNC 14%, UConn 12%: Niko Bundalo - Prolific Prep - Power Forward

 

[RuffRuff]

I don’t think anyone really knows what Niko is thinking - he’s likely waiting for a couple dominos to fall, gather a bit more info in next week (including Mullins), and then take it from there. If anything I’ve seen UConn as the lean, although skeptical of how educated those leans are. This is just one to be patient on and treat it like gravy if it does happen.

 

[Jbirdp5]

I see the point, but even under that scenario (assuming Liam, Solo, and Stewart all go to the league) we would be returning two point guards (aidan and Ahmad), plus Ross and Abraham. That is a solid nucleus by which to anchor a young team

And Tarris would also be back giving you an experienced 5 man to pair with Reibe. It wouldn't be the most experienced roster but you wouldnt be leaning on all freshmen;

 

[Lambeau]

While this is Mullins Week--and we should have a great class--I can't help but wonder why Niko would go to OSU.
On3 may be not updating old news; Niko is an Ohio boy with a sentimental streak, but he's also wildly ambitious.
When OSU fired their coach in February, eight players transferred out, including four of this year's starters.
He likes the new coach, Diebler, who was his recruiter; but that is an extremely chaotic situation to enter.

 

[RuffRuff]

While this is Mullins Week--and we should have a great class--I can't help but wonder why Niko would go to OSU.
On3 may be not updating old news; Niko is an Ohio boy with a sentimental streak, but he's also wildly ambitious.
When OSU fired their coach in February, eight players transferred out, including four of this year's starters.
He likes the new coach, Diebler, who was his recruiter; but that is an extremely chaotic situation to enter.

Of the same camp of thinking. I don’t get the home town choice for a kid that is playing prep away from home. Too much risk there. He also has UNC and MSU left on his list, which would seem better options.

 

[Mr. French]

Trilly put out a Buckeyes tweet this morning…

Is that Niko? @navery12 or others following the tea?

 

[444JR]

Another 4. Has to be positive for the good guys.

 

[aceboon]

Trilly put out a Buckeyes tweet this morning…

Is that Niko? @navery12 or others following the tea?

could be him, he just committed

 

[RuffRuff]

Trilly put out a Buckeyes tweet this morning…

Is that Niko? @navery12 or others following the tea?

Not Niko. This guy, who sounds little redundant to Niko. Different players but also a 4.



Just very few tea leaves on Niko to read. OSU thinks signing this kid means out on Niko. He’s probably waiting on the Mullins announcement and to get a read on how some things land with the other suitors. UNC still in on AJ, so would have to feel that out. This one is just a tough read as camp is very quiet.

 

[BGesus4]

could be him, he just committed

Air Bud?

 

[Huskyforlife]

This is very odd, regardless of our situation, usually guys don't just release top 4s and then ghost.

Just thinking out loud, wonder if he'll reopen his recruitment?

 

[aceboon]

This is very odd, regardless of our situation, usually guys don't just release top 4s and then ghost.

Just thinking out loud, wonder if he'll reopen his recruitment?

"ghost"? what should he be doing daily in regards to his recruitment, he announced his top 4 Oct 9th.

 

[auror]

This is very odd, regardless of our situation, usually guys don't just release top 4s and then ghost.

Just thinking out loud, wonder if he'll reopen his recruitment?

He's not ghosting. He's very likely waiting on us.

 

[Huskyforlife]

He's not ghosting. He's very likely waiting on us.

There's usually more of a read on what's gonna happen by now, it's definitely strange.

 

[RuffRuff]

He's not ghosting. He's very likely waiting on us.

Yeah not re-opening, likely narrowed his list with all this in mind. With the UConn commits it feels like they’ve spread them out so each one could have their individual time in the sun. My sense is we’ll find out what is going on with Niko latter half of week. If the congestion at UConn is an issue, my sense is he’s going to UNC if they’re willing to tap out on AJD(long shot anyway) and prioritize Niko.

 

[CL82]

Sengare isn’t playing much next year with Tarris and Reibe. He is 100% not a 4. My sense is he’ll have to be content as a third string 5 or perhaps get backup minutes his senior year.

I don’t think the map is linear. There is a little bit of let’s get them in here and see how it plays out, be transparent with kids that you’ll have to earn minutes and if they don’t see that path, make some hard personal decisions. I just don’t think Hurley is going to make it easy to default a roster spot just for loyalty, and you’ll have to earn it with talent behind you no matter what year you are.

I hope he gets a chance to meaningfully contribute. He looked better than expected against URI.

 

[JerseyAlum]

Of the same camp of thinking. I don’t get the home town choice for a kid that is playing prep away from home. Too much risk there. He also has UNC and MSU left on his list, which would seem better options.

Bundalo said where he is from is not factoring into the decision, but that's hard to rationalize for that age. I mean I didn't visit home unless it was break or major holiday but selecting UConn had a "home" feeling from growing up in state. I guess we shall see where he lands and hopefully with us, but hey, even Thomas is showing some slight chance of coming here so it's anybody's guess.

 

[Lambeau]

Bynum will be the third 6' 9" power forward at Ohio State.

 

[nomar]

There's usually more of a read on what's gonna happen by now, it's definitely strange.

Not sure what you're expecting to hear. It seems pretty clear he's waiting to see how things shake out at UConn and UNC.

 

[RuffRuff]

Bundalo said where he is from is not factoring into the decision, but that's hard to rationalize for that age. I mean I didn't visit home unless it was break or major holiday but selecting UConn had a "home" feeling from growing up in state. I guess we shall see where he lands and hopefully with us, but hey, even Thomas is showing some slight chance of coming here so it's anybody's guess.

If Mullins, who stayed home, parents are connected to local U, coming from a hoops state, can adios, then a Croatian kid who’s playing his senior year in Cali and coming out of a football state definitely can. I doubt that’s a variable. OSU probably put a lot of energy into him as easy access to a local kid and that’s what got them on the list. Biggest thing for this kid is best balance of playing time and development. Might have to ride some pine at UConn year one, but get great development. Or get instant time somewhere else and perhaps less accelerated development. I’d think it’s a bit about how his group sees his goal to get to the NBA. If it’s a 2-3 year plan, come on down. If it’s a 1-2 year plan, maybe take the other option.

This one is hard to project - I felt really good about the other 3 based on leaves and logic, this one is a coin flip (but fascinating).