A former basketball recruit for UNC has withdrawn his commitment after an unexpected selection.

UNC Basketball Back in Mix for Former Commit Niko Bundalo, Still in Hunt for Five-Star Anthony Thompson

Last fall, North Carolina was firmly in the mix for four-star forward Niko Bundalo, a 6-foot-10 standout from Prolific Prep (Calif.) and a lifelong Tar Heel fan. He named UNC in both his top nine and final four schools, alongside UConn, Michigan State, and Ohio State. However, in a surprising turn, Bundalo committed to Washington last November — a program that hadn’t previously appeared on his shortlist.

Now, Bundalo is back on the market. Multiple reports on Tuesday confirmed that he has been released from his signed commitment to Washington and has reopened his recruitment.

Ranked No. 31 overall in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite, Bundalo is currently the second-highest uncommitted player in the cycle. It’s unclear whether head coach Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels will resume their pursuit, but Bundalo’s long-standing connection to UNC — rooted in his mother’s admiration for Michael Jordan — could make a return to Carolina’s radar a real possibility. UNC still has available scholarships for next season.

Meanwhile, the Tar Heels are also staying active in the 2026 class. Five-star forward Anthony Thompson remains a top target, and UNC is still in contention after he recently released his top 15 schools. The 6-foot-8 lefty from Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) included North Carolina on a list that also features Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan State, Ohio State, and others.

Thompson, who received his UNC offer in January, is ranked No. 11 overall in the 2026 class, No. 3 among small forwards, and No. 1 in the state of Ohio according to the 247Sports Composite. Recruiting analyst Eric Bossi has praised Thompson’s fluid shooting stroke and elite 7-foot-3 wingspan, calling him one of the most intriguing prospects in the class.

As UNC looks to reload its roster for future seasons, the return of Bundalo to the recruiting trail and their continued presence in Thompson’s recruitment underscores the program’s aggressive push for top-tier talent.