2025 Recruiting: Niko Bundalo Update

[jimva]

Until something comes to light as new information, I will remain stunned that we wouldn't want this kid vs a 6th guard. If, as reported, we have more than 1 player willing to commit and we are selecting Furphy, it would appear that Bundalo surely would be the only other unnamed second player ready to commit. Thus we are clearly passing on him vs him passing on us. He is a player with unicorn attributes but perhaps there is a question whether his style of high intensity is a fit with our players? I hope we get an understanding in the future.

This board has railed against teams loading up on highly rated freshman vs. a balance between freshman and experienced role players from the portal. Hurley’s approach has worked. Now some of you want to change that and start loading up on highly rated, but inexperienced freshmen, because we can?

 

[superjohn]

Until something comes to light as new information, I will remain stunned that we wouldn't want this kid vs a 6th guard. If, as reported, we have more than 1 player willing to commit and we are selecting Furphy, it would appear that Bundalo surely would be the only other unnamed second player ready to commit. Thus we are clearly passing on him vs him passing on us. He is a player with unicorn attributes but perhaps there is a question whether his style of high intensity is a fit with our players? I hope we get an understanding in the future.

Much lesser programs than UConn seem to be passing on him. Kid wants to come here and the staff doesn't want to add him. You have to trust our guys.

 

[david]

International players can get NIL just like American players, it's just done in a slightly different way

I've been reading to understand how NIL works for international students so I could have an educated response but I still don't understand it fully. Furphy would probably be on an F-1 Visa which means any NIL work would have to be done outside of the US in order to avoid restrictions from immigration law, but I guess recently some international students have been getting P-1 or O-1 visas which might allow them to get NIL within the US. While researching I did find this article from around the 2023 National Championship:

NCAA's international athletes still facing NIL challenges

A number of the NCAA's international athletes will look to cut down the nets at the Final Four, but cashing in on their starring roles won't be easy.

www.espn.com

UConn is among a smaller group of schools trying to help its athletes find a safe way to make money while in America. Athletic director David Benedict and David Noble, the director of the university's Peter J. Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, said the university is developing classes and a minor program of study open to all students that could help athletes take advantage of an exception in -1 visa rules known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The rule allows international students to earn money through work as long as it includes "training [that] relates directly to the student's major area of study" and "is an integral part of the school's established curriculum."

It's possible that they're tapped out of the traditional NIL funding through collectives, etc. and they're trying to take advantage of this program. I know it's speculation, but I'd rather speculate this than saying he must have character issues.

 

[Umami Zen]

Can't imagine three recruits being better fits for the Program than the three Dan/staff got commitments out of. Can't envision a better 2025 class in CBB for roster needs and player skill sets.

 

[Umami Zen]

Because the Bundalo coveters can’t accept any explanation for not getting him other than money or attitude problems

The only coveter that matters is Danny

 

[AllHusky]

Because the Bundalo coveters can’t accept any explanation for not getting him other than money or attitude problems

So what’s your explanation? More prudent to wait? That works too, unless you don’t think he can play here.

 

[bendm]

So what’s your explanation? More prudent to wait? That works too, unless you don’t think he can play here.

ive only shared my opinion on this about a dozen times in this thread

 

[AllHusky]

ive only shared my opinion on this about a dozen times in this thread

Generally I’m not all that invested in recruiting, however I am a card carrying “Bundalo coveter”. “We’re covered at every position” doesn’t trump the belief that this kid might be more than special for me. Don’t get me wrong, what the staff has decided is best course makes perfect sense, but once in a while you just have a feeling that makes you toss analytics to the side. UNC, theOSU, etc don’t see what the coveters see either. Doesn’t exactly ruin our recruiting class.

So good luck to Niko, still wish he was a Husky.

 

[Scrutineer]

Did I miss something where Furphy is nearing a commitment? I know it seem possible pre-Mullins but that also read like a contingency plan of sorts. That being said, I think Furphy is awesome and has crazy BB IQ and would play here sooner than later. Just didn't see something where it seemed like we were looking to add him still.

When Dan Hurley was quoted as saying he's done adding American players, people drew their own conclusions that it meant we're out on Bundalo and focused on Furphy.

 

[Scrutineer]

I like to keep you on your toes HS. Typing classes in HS were basically me and a buddy having races as to who could type most words a minute. Most useful skill ever learned. Can probably type as fast as I talk, which makes me dangerous on a message board .

Any drought here was likely just more about the Kevin Ollie disaster, and wanting to close my eyes till it was over. And just picking things back up when it was safe to come back outside again.

I took typing senior year because I had an open period and no more required classes for college admission..........and 23 year old Mrs. Young was the newly hired typing teacher who drew a lot of attention when she walked through the cafeteria.
God was with me because taking a class for the "wrong" reason turned out to be a great decision with the advent of computers and all the typing of emails, etc. I fondly remember Mrs. Young every day even though she's not so young anymore.

 

[Scrutineer]

Some rumblings elsewhere that Niko has reopened and may visit Arkansas. As quiet as things have been with him and his 4 finalists, now a few days after 3 of them signed guys, sounds like a strong possibility. Tea leaves pretty suggestive that this ship is sailing. Seems Furphy would be the 4th if Dan Hurley did want to add another and my guess would be a longer term depth guy.



Very weird recruitment. Feels like he was all in on the Huskies and others fillers and the staff just went in another direction.

Don't you love the wording? "He will not be considering UConn, Ohio St and Michigan St."
That sounds like Calipari's agent making statements about jobs that came open when he was at UMass. Every time there was a major opening the agent would put out a press release saying John has no interest in the "blank" job, implying he'd be contacted when in fact he had not been contacted. Great sales jobs by the agent to keep his name in the news.

 

[AllHusky]

 

[JerseyAlum]

Nothing has changed on Nico's profile on On3 and 247 as of today...none are even putting in Arkansas so either they are collectively slow with recruiting updates to the website (which I find ESPN is the king of) or much ado about nothing. And @ work X is blocked so cannot see the images therein.

 

[ec33]

When Dan Hurley was quoted as saying he's done adding American players, people drew their own conclusions that it meant we're out on Bundalo and focused on Furphy.

I suspect the "done with American players" was actually about Lewis, who the staff put a lot of work into. I know it is odd, but Hurley doesn't like being rejected.

 

[DogMania]

When Dan Hurley was quoted as saying he's done adding American players, people drew their own conclusions that it meant we're out on Bundalo and focused on Furphy.

It does make me wonder if NIL plays a part in this, now that the primary needs have been met. From what I understand, non-Americans can't take advantage of the NIL money like US kids can. Even though Hurley has stated he's not going to get into bidding wars for recruits, they still have to offer a solid NIL package, and their NIL pockets aren't unlimited. Adding Furphy likely gives them the best bang for the buck and a less perceived PT threat to those already in the program and the recent commits. Though in Hurley's system PT is earned and if Fuphy were to outplay others he'll find time on the floor. I do get the sense that all of the players Hurley recruits are fine with earning and even splitting their PT as long as they're given a fair shot at it and the staff is committed to developing them better than any other staff and program.

Who knows what NIL Bundalo is looking for. He probably was willing to take less here, but it's possible that either the staff doesn't want to tie up a lot on a recruit that might not fit an immediate need at this stage, or maybe Bundalo's camp sees things a tad too crowded. I don't think anyone knows for sure.

 

[RuffRuff]

 

[StllH8L8ner]

I took typing senior year because I had an open period and no more required classes for college admission..........and 23 year old Mrs. Young was the newly hired typing teacher who drew a lot of attention when she walked through the cafeteria.
God was with me because taking a class for the "wrong" reason turned out to be a great decision with the advent of computers and all the typing of emails, etc. I fondly remember Mrs. Young every day even though she's not so young anymore.

Typing was probably my most valuable class in high school. Unfortunately my teacher looked like the female version of Chris Farley…

 

[navery12]

Lots of messages in this thread the past week, but if I'm understanding everything correctly Niko Bundalo is reopening his recruitment because UConn doesn't offer typing classes

 

[RuffRuff]

Lots of messages in this thread the past week, but if I'm understanding everything correctly Niko Bundalo is reopening his recruitment because UConn doesn't offer typing classes

Any new letters added to the alphabet?

Niko gonna be fun to follow. Will he be what could have been, or I totally know why the staff made that call? Him, Lewis and Thomas for that matter. Feels like we could have had any one of them if we prioritized.

 

[Huskyforlife]

I’m assuming there’s a reason 4 schools with no top 30 commits at PF all decided to pass on him. It can’t be the talent.

 

[AllHusky]

bendm knows

 

[CL82]

what are the funniest David Letterman skits was when he invited the world's fastest typist to compete against one of his secretaries. He changed the head on her typewriter so what she was typing turned out to be nothing but profanity.

she finished first, then handed the paper to David. He said oh my and he handed it to her to proof. She stormed off stage.

How is it that I never saw this? That's hysterical.

 

[uconnfan68]

I took typing senior year because I had an open period and no more required classes for college admission..........and 23 year old Mrs. Young was the newly hired typing teacher who drew a lot of attention when she walked through the cafeteria.
God was with me because taking a class for the "wrong" reason turned out to be a great decision with the advent of computers and all the typing of emails, etc. I fondly remember Mrs. Young every day even though she's not so young anymore.

My typing class was on an actual typewriter. I worked on computers for over a decade before using a keyboard to access it. It was switches and pushbuttons before that.

 

[Iluvsuebird]

And also on the UK Rupp page they seem pretty hyped to be "beating out" UConn for Acaden Lewis.

We have Solo, Aidan and Nowell coming back. How many PG’s do we need???

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Gut says we have one more wing go pro, which explains the Furphy recruitment.

Who? I respect ‘gut’ feelings, but even gut feelings must be based on something objective.

 

[UCfor3]

We have Solo, Aidan and Nowell coming back. How many PG’s do we need???

Solo is not a PG.

 

[husky429]

Who? I respect ‘gut’ feelings, but even gut feelings must be based on something objective.

Solo, Stewart

 

[boog204]

I’m assuming there’s a reason 4 schools with no top 30 commits at PF all decided to pass on him. It can’t be the talent.

This... If Hurley/UConn decide to move on then that should be more than enough for all of us keyboard warriors (multiple years of typing classes here, 'ers) to know that it's the right move either from a talent, chemistry, or personality or whatever standpoint. The fact that three other schools are doing the same should just be the further proof. People here "coveting" him are completely missing the point, imo...

 

[FreeKlaiber]

This... If Hurley/UConn decide to move on then that should be more than enough for all of us keyboard warriors (multiple years of typing classes here, 'ers) to know that it's the right move either from a talent, chemistry, or personality or whatever standpoint. The fact that three other schools are doing the same should just be the further proof. People here "coveting" him are completely missing the point, imo...

ok, thought experiment

if Reibe went elsewhere, are we still out?

 

[boog204]

ok, thought experiment

if Reibe went elsewhere, are we still out?

I think yes... I can't remember another example where almost all of a highly ranked recruit's final four have passed.