UCLA Bruins Make a Big Splash in Recruiting
The Mick Cronin era started strong for the UCLA Bruins, as they reached the Final Four in 2021 and had back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances the next couple of seasons. However, things have taken a downturn since then. The Bruins missed the NCAA Tournament entirely in 2024 and were eliminated in the second round in the following two years. To regain their footing in college basketball, they needed fresh talent—and on Thursday, they got a significant boost with the signing of one of the most promising recruits since Lonzo Ball in 2016.
Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica committed to UCLA on Thursday, just a week after an impressive showing at the FIBA U17 World Cup. He’s set to join the Bruins in the 2026-27 season. During his time in the tournament, Kusturica averaged 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 1.7 blocks, and 2.7 assists while shooting 57.3 percent over seven games, helping his team secure second place. In the championship match against the United States, he had a standout performance, putting up 37 points and grabbing nine rebounds, even though they lost.
Kusturica stands at 6’7″ and possesses exceptional slashing skills for his size and age. His speed as a ball handler and his relentless drive to the hoop stand out. He’s not just about slashing; he has a solid off-ball game, capable of shooting from beyond the arc and making timely cuts. While he’s undoubtedly skilled, it’s his relentless motor that really catches the eye of NBA scouts. He plays hard, crashing the boards on both ends of the court. His lean build and youth—he will be among the youngest players in college basketball next season—might limit his physical play initially, but his energy will be an asset both at UCLA and in his future NBA career.
A brief look at Kusturica’s final game stats from the U17 World Cup shows his impactful performance.
Additionally, UCLA is becoming more international with the inclusion of former Auburn forward Filip Jovic and former Mississippi State forward Sergei Makura through the transfer portal. The Bruins are likely to feature Kusturica alongside returning forward Eric Daley Jr., guards Trent Perry and Jalen Petty, and big man Xavier Booker.
Kusturica and fellow freshman Bunti Bunti, who will be heading to Duke, could emerge as two of the most talented newcomers in college basketball this season at just 17 years old. However, they’ll have competition from other projected top draft picks in 2027, like Kansas forward Tyrann Stokes, Arkansas guard Jordan Smith Jr., and Arizona guard Caleb Holt.
With a new infusion of talent, college basketball is buzzing once again, and UCLA has successfully secured one of the best freshmen in the nation.
