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UCLA is making a concerted effort to reshape its roster by securing elite high school talent, including point guard Antonio Pemberton, who could make an immediate impact as a freshman.
UCLA’s men’s basketball team adds eight newcomers, including transfers Jaylen Petty, Azavier Robinson, Filip Jović, and Sergej Macura, as well as freshmen Joe Philon III, Javonte Floyd, Gunārs Grīnvalds, and Nikola Kusturica. Coaches highlight their abilities and fit within the program’s culture.
After a 24‑12 season that saw the Bruins finish strong, head coach Mick Cronin is reshaping the roster with new talent, hoping to break into the Top 25 next year.
After a 24‑12 season that ended in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, the Bruins are being counted on to climb back into the national rankings.
The Bruins announced the signing of Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica and Latvian guard Gunārs Grīnvalds, both celebrated for their performances on the world stage and expected to reshape UCLA’s roster.
UCLA announced the commitment of Nikola Kusturica, a 6‑foot‑9 Serbian star, and the addition of former Real Madrid forward Gunars Grinvalds, highlighting a new era of global recruiting for the Bruins.
UCLA secures top Serbian prospect Nikola Kusturica, a five‑star recruit projected as a future NBA lottery pick, as part of an aggressive international recruiting push.
Nikola Kusturica, a 6‑foot‑8 Serbian forward, has pledged to play for UCLA, choosing the Bruins over several top college programs. His impressive international résumé includes MVP honors at the 2025 FIBA U16 EuroBasket and a Defensive Player of the Tournament award at the U17 World Cup.
Mick Cronin’s blend of transfer and international recruitment is paying dividends as UCLA lands Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, a standout from the FIBA U17 World Cup.
UCLA basketball head coach Mick Cronin is shaping the Bruins' lineup for the upcoming season by targeting transfer players and international prospects, including Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, who impressed in the FIBA U17 World Cup.
With a blend of returning veterans and fresh talent, UCLA aims to address last season’s rebounding woes and fill the playmaking void left by departing star Donovan Dent, setting the stage for a competitive campaign in the Big Ten.
Mick Cronin has already locked in three 2026 recruits, but the pursuit of 41st‑ranked point guard Kevin Savage could define UCLA’s future.
UCLA's basketball program has locked in three 2026 commitments and is pursuing 2027 point guard Kevin Savage, a top‑50 national prospect.
UCLA’s rebuilding season hinges on the performance of three freshmen, each facing distinct pathways that could shape the program’s future.
Gunars Grinvalds, an 18‑year‑old forward from Real Madrid, will join UCLA’s basketball program next season, adding professional pedigree and shooting skill to a roster hungry for depth at the stretch‑four position.
An 18‑year‑old Latvian forward who helped Real Madrid win the LigaU title will join UCLA’s freshman class, aiming to fill a key small‑forward role and potentially reshape the Bruins’ lineup.
Gunars Grinvalds, a 6‑foot‑7 Latvian forward with EuroLeague experience, announced his commitment to UCLA, joining a roster that has seen mixed success with European players and will compete for minutes alongside returning veterans.