UCLA secure Serbian star Nikola Kusturica ahead of 2028 NBA Draft
Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica has agreed a multi-year deal to join UCLA, securing the Bruins a prime candidate for the number one pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.
The 17-year-old is widely regarded as the premier European prospect in his age group and remains two years away from draft eligibility.
His commitment concludes a complex recruitment battle that saw Kentucky and Gonzaga vying for his signature.
Michigan had also built significant momentum before head coach Dusty May departed for the Dallas Mavericks.
Dominant international pedigree
The 6ft 8in standout recently showcased his elite talent at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Turkey.
He earned a place on the tournament’s All-Star Five team after averaging an impressive 24.6 points and 6.9 rebounds across seven matches.
The versatile teenager was also named Best Defensive Player, registering 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.
He capped off the tournament with a spectacular 37-point, nine-rebound performance during Serbia’s gold-medal defeat to the United States.
From Barcelona to the Bruins
This recent success follows an MVP-winning campaign at the FIBA Under-16 EuroBasket last August.
During that gold-medal run for his country, the dynamic scorer averaged 20.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
Developing within the FC Barcelona system since 2023, he became the youngest player in the Catalan club’s history to make a first-team competitive debut in September 2025.
Immediate impact expected
Despite his youth, the highly-touted recruit is anticipated to play a crucial role for head coach Mick Cronin.
The Bruins are looking to build upon a solid 24-12 record from their previous college campaign.
Cronin’s squad returns three established starters alongside four new arrivals from other major programmes.
Among these additions are fellow European talents Filip Jovic and Sergej Macura, who will help ease their new teammate’s transition to American basketball.