Chris Beard and the Ole Miss Rebels have landed the commitment of four-star power forward Niko Bundalo. Bundalo went to Prolific Prep in California and was a former Washington commit who signed with the Huskies in November after visits to Ohio State, North Carolina, Michigan State, and UConn.
But in April, he requested a release from his National Letter of Intent (NLI), reopening his recruitment. Beard has been the Rebels’ head coach since 2023 after stints at Texas, Texas Tech, among other schools. Now, he adds a tall power forward who can lead the way in 2025.
Niko Bundalo Commits to Ole Miss; Could He Be Chris Beard’s Next Great NBA Prospect?
Three weeks ago, Niko Bundalo withdrew his scholarship from the Washington Huskies, and, according to ESPN, he has now committed to Ole Miss.
NEWS: Niko Bundalo has committed to Ole Miss, his agents Taquan Dean and Niko Filipovich of BDAI Sports told ESPN. The 6’10 power forward and Prolific Prep product was named a McDonald’s All-American this season. pic.twitter.com/ufSEh11bTt
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 20, 2025
Bundalo is considered one of the most skilled forwards in the country. Although he primarily operates in the post, his exceptional shooting and ball-handling skills make him a noticeable offensive threat. He’s a top-30 player and a McDonald’s All-American.
Bundalo is the fourth pledge from the class of 2025, joining Atlanta-area small forward Tylis Jordan, Texas shooting guard Patton Pinkins, and French shooting guard Ilias Kamardine. The rebels also have 5 players coming in from the transfer portal.
Bundalo joins a Chris Beard squad that went 24-12 and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the 24/25 season, coming up just short against Michigan State in the South Regional semifinals. Bundalo will be hoping he can join the crew of players coached by Beard, who eventually made it to the NBA.
KEEP READING: ‘Oxford Is Home’ – Ole Miss Basketball HC Chris Beard Reassures Rebel Fans
The likes of Zhaire Smith (selected by the Phoenix Suns in 2018), Jarrett Culver (selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019), and Jahmi’us Ramsey (selected by the Sacramento Kings in 2019 were coached by Beard and Bundalo would hope that his skills are also harnessed by the head coach, with a view to him ending up in the league.
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