BREAKING: McDonald’s All-American Niko Bundalo Headed to Ole Miss
OXFORD, MS – In a major coup for the Ole Miss Rebels men’s basketball program, highly-touted four-star forward and McDonald’s All-American Niko Bundalo has committed to play for head coach Chris Beard. The news, reported today, sends a significant ripple through the college basketball recruiting landscape and marks a pivotal moment for the Rebels as they continue to build their roster.
Bundalo, a 6-foot-10, 215-pound power forward, was one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2025 class. His commitment to Ole Miss comes after he previously de-committed from the University of Washington, opening up his recruitment to a host of top-tier programs. The Rebels successfully fended off intense competition from schools like Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio State, among others, to secure his pledge.
This addition instantly elevates Ole Miss’s 2025 recruiting class, making Bundalo the highest-rated prospect to commit to the program in the 247Sports Composite rankings, surpassing previous record-holder Matthew Murrell. His commitment also propels Ole Miss’s class rankings, signaling a significant recruiting surge under Chris Beard.
Bundalo brings a versatile “inside-out” game to Oxford. He is a skilled lefty who can comfortably operate in the post, utilizing his deceptive strength and good bounce around the rim to score. What makes him particularly intriguing is his ability to stretch the floor; he possesses a soft touch that extends to the three-point arc, making him a threat in pick-and-pop situations. While he’s not a primary ball-handler, his comfort playing in various offensive actions and quick processing of concepts make him a valuable asset.
Having played his senior year at Prolific Prep in California and participating in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, Bundalo comes to Ole Miss with a high level of experience against top competition. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, coupled with his competitive nature, makes him a player with significant upside.
For Chris Beard and the Ole Miss faithful, Bundalo’s commitment is a clear statement of intent. It demonstrates the program’s growing appeal and Beard’s ability to attract elite talent to Oxford. As the Rebels aim to build on their recent successes and make deeper runs in the postseason, the arrival of a player of Bundalo’s caliber is a massive step forward.
