UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin announced the signing of Nikola Kusturica, a 6‑foot‑9 Serbian small forward, to the program for the 2026‑27 season, marking a significant addition to the roster.
Kusturica, rated as a five‑star recruit by major scouting services, is projected to be among the top five selections in the 2028 NBA draft, underscoring the long‑term view of his development.
Rise on the International Stage
The Serbian prospect has built an impressive résumé on the world stage, capturing the U18 Adidas Next Generation Tournament with FC Barcelona and guiding his national team to a FIBA U16 EuroBasket title in 2025.
In the FIBA U17 World Cup, he posted averages of 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists, earning recognition as the tournament’s best defensive player and a place in the all‑star five.
The Recruiter’s Edge
UCLA’s international recruiting director Yogi Jovanovic, a Serbian native and former head coach of the Serbian U20 national team, played a pivotal role in the recruitment, leveraging his network and deep understanding of European talent.
The class also features Gunars Grinvalds, a former Real Madrid forward, who has committed to the Bruins, further enriching the incoming cohort.
The move reflects UCLA’s aggressive push to attract elite talent from outside the United States, a strategy that aligns with the program’s recent successes in developing NBA‑ready players.