Gunars Grinvalds, an 18‑year‑old Latvian forward who spent the past two seasons with Real Madrid, announced his commitment to play for the UCLA Bruins next season. The move marks a rare transition from European professional leagues to NCAA basketball for a player of his pedigree.
Grinvalds made his professional debuts in both the ACB and the EuroLeague in 2025 and was a pivotal contributor during Real Madrid’s LigaU championship run. At the 2024 U16 EuroBasket Tournament he averaged 9.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists over seven games, showcasing a reliable perimeter shot that could translate well to the college game.
A Strategic Addition for the Bruins
UCLA’s coaching staff highlighted the need for a versatile small forward, and Grinvalds fits that profile perfectly. His size, length and ability to stretch the floor make him a natural fit for the pick‑and‑pop game, and he could eventually share the floor with returning veterans such as Booker and Eric Dailey Jr.
The Bruins bolstered their roster through the transfer portal, adding guards Jaylen Petty, center Filip Jovic, forward Sergej Macura and guard Azavier Robinson. Alongside fellow freshmen Joe Philon and Javonte Floyd, Grinvalds will join a talented freshman class that promises depth and competition for minutes.
While the transition to college basketball can be challenging, especially for a freshman on a veteran‑laden squad, early performances in practice suggest Grinvalds could earn a significant role off the bench and potentially slide into the starting lineup as the season progresses.