UCLA’s basketball program faced a stark reality in February 2025: two straight 20‑point defeats that exposed a glaring deficiency in rim pressure and second‑chance points. In response, the Bruins announced the addition of Serbian big men Filip Jović and Sergej Macura, both recruited from KK Mega in Belgrade, to inject athleticism and rebounding depth into the frontcourt.
The New Frontline
Jović, a 6‑8 forward, posted a 64.5% shooting rate at the rim last season and contributed 31 dunks while averaging 51 put‑back possessions. Macura, standing 6‑9, logged 15 games with at least five rebounds and shot 73% at the rim despite limited minutes. Together they generated 144 put‑back possessions, roughly four per game, and contributed to 346 transition possessions.
The Bruins’ offensive profile was already efficient, ranking in the 84th percentile for points per shot, yet only 34.2% of their field‑goal attempts originated at the rim — one of the lowest rates in college basketball. The new signings are expected to raise that percentage and create more high‑percentage looks inside.
Defensively, opponents shot 75% at the rim against Jović and Macura, underscoring the learning curve for the newcomers. Nonetheless, their mobility, ability to hedge, switch, and recover quickly aligns with Coach Mick Cronin’s system, which emphasizes versatile bigs who can protect the paint without sacrificing perimeter defense.
The move also reshapes the rotation behind Tyler Bilodeau, the All‑Big Ten third‑team center, and Xavier Booker, who led the team with 42 blocks last season. With Jović and Macura providing depth, UCLA hopes to maintain its 26‑14 record in Big Ten play and climb higher in the conference standings.
If the Serbian duo can translate their collegiate numbers to the Pac‑12 stage, UCLA’s frontcourt could finally combine the rim protection it lacked with the transition firepower that defined its recent successes.