Four-star F Niko Bundalo commits to Washington

Four-star power forward Niko Bundalo made a surprising commitment to the Washington Huskies.

The 6-foot-10 Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep senior had reportedly narrowed down his choices to Connecticut, Michigan State, Ohio State and North Carolina, visiting all four this fall but coming away without a decision.

Instead, he chose coach Danny Sprinkles' Huskies despite not having visited the campus.

"I just think the coaching staff and the style of play fit," Bundalo told 247Sports. "For Coach Sprinkle the four-man plays the most minutes and he has one of the highest usage rates for his fours of any coach in the NCAA right now. I just think it's a great opportunity for me to go in there where Great Osobor is on his way out the door. He's a great player but him leaving and me getting a chance at that spot off the rip is a great opportunity for my development."

Bundalo said he was "super impressed" with what Sprinkle accomplished at Utah State in 2023-24, leading the Aggies to their first Mountain West regular-season title and first NCAA Tournament win since 2001. He finished with a 28-7 record in his first season with Utah State before taking the Washington job in March.

"I think Sprinkle sees a lot for me. Just getting the ball off the rim and doing things. We talk about me initiating sets and being a high-level passer off the dribble and off the catch in my zone and my spots," Bundalo said. "I think with me and Coach Sprinkle it's going to be a relationship that's very fluid where I can do whatever it takes to win. Whether we need a scorer, a good screener, a good rebounder I feel like I have an opportunity to do it all."

Bundalo is ranked No. 27 overall and the No. 7 power forward in the Class of 2025 by the 247Sports composite.

--Field Level Media