UCLA’s basketball program has landed a coveted piece of European talent, announcing the commitment of Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, a 6‑foot‑9 prospect projected as a top‑five pick in the 2028 NBA draft.
Kusturica’s résumé reads like a highlight reel: he captured the U18 Adidas Next Generation Tournament with FC Barcelona, guided Serbia to a historic FIBA U16 EuroBasket title, and was named the tournament’s most valuable defensive player.
Coach Mick Cronin praised the youngster’s blend of size, versatility and competitive fire, noting that Kusturica’s skill set should translate well to the Bruins’ fast‑paced style.
The announcement also brought news of another overseas addition: Gunars Grinvalds, a former Real Madrid forward, has pledged to join the Bruins, adding depth to UCLA’s frontcourt.
A New Era of Global Recruiting
The signings underscore UCLA’s expanding footprint on the world stage, reflecting a broader trend of top European prospects choosing the Pac‑12 powerhouse as a launchpad for NBA aspirations.
Yogi Jovanovic, UCLA’s director of international recruiting, played a pivotal role in courting Kusturica, leveraging relationships forged across Europe to secure the player’s signature.
Kusturica is slated to arrive on campus early next month, where he will participate in team workouts and begin integrating with his new teammates ahead of the upcoming season.