In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, the University of Washington has landed a commitment from Niko Bundalo, a top-25 recruit in the class of 2025. The news comes as a major surprise, as Bundalo had recently narrowed his list to blue blood programs North Carolina, UConn, Ohio State and Michigan after taking official visits. The 6’10” power forward out of Prolific Prep in California is ranked as the No. 25 overall prospect and No. 5 power forward in the ESPN 100.
How Washington Pulled Off the Recruiting Upset
So how did Washington and head coach Danny Sprinkle manage to secure Bundalo’s commitment despite not being among his initial finalists? According to sources close to the situation, the Huskies took advantage of Bundalo’s decision to reopen his recruitment after several of his top schools received commitments from other prospects.
“When Washington heard I was reopening my commitment they jumped right in, and they have been great,” Bundalo told ESPN. Assistant coach Gib Arnold played a key role, taking the time to build a relationship not just with Bundalo but also his family. Head coach Danny Sprinkle laid out a vision for how the versatile lefty would be utilized in Washington’s system.
“Coach Sprinkle and I connected and have been talking regularly. They have a high usage rate for their four-men and their plan is to use my versatility. I am super impressed with what he did at Utah State.”
– Niko Bundalo on his relationship with Washington’s coaches
Bundalo’s Unique Skillset
Bundalo is an elite prospect due to his rare combination of size, skill and athleticism. The smooth lefty has a 7-foot wingspan and advanced perimeter skills for his size. He shot nearly 35% from 3-point range on the Adidas circuit last spring and has the ball-handling and passing chops to create off the dribble. Bundalo’s mobility, leaping ability and motor also make him a force in the open court and on the boards.
“What stands out about his game is his size and skill. His ball-handling, passing, shooting and ability to drive and make plays off the bounce give him huge upside.”
– A scout’s perspective on Bundalo’s unique talents
Teaming Up with Another Top-50 Recruit
Bundalo is Washington’s third commitment in the 2025 class and the second top-50 prospect to pledge in the last few weeks, joining J.J. Mandaquit. The two elite recruits have experience playing both with and against each other and are excited to join forces in Seattle.
“Playing with JJ Mandaquit will be a lot of fun. I have played with him and against him at various times. He amplifies the players around him by how he creates for everyone.”
– Bundalo on teaming up with fellow Washington commit J.J. Mandaquit
The Significance for Washington’s Program
Landing a commitment from a prospect of Bundalo’s caliber is a tremendous coup for Sprinkle and his staff as they aim to elevate Washington into a consistent contender in the Pac-12 and nationally. Bundalo and Mandaquit give the Huskies two cornerstone pieces to build around and should bolster Washington’s recruiting clout and momentum moving forward.
While there are never any guarantees with top recruits, on paper, Bundalo looks like a prospect who could make an immediate impact as a freshman and develop into an NBA lottery pick during his collegiate career. His commitment to Washington is a strong signal that Sprinkle and his staff are quickly establishing the Huskies as an appealing destination for elite high school talent.
Final Thoughts
In an offseason filled with surprising recruiting news, Niko Bundalo’s commitment to Washington stands out as one of the most stunning developments. By securing a commitment from an elite prospect who appeared headed elsewhere, Sprinkle and his staff have reshaped expectations for the Huskies’ program moving forward. With Bundalo and Mandaquit forming a potentially dynamic duo, Washington seems poised to make major noise in the 2025-26 season and beyond.
