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.
Mauricio Pochettino’s United States have seen their World Cup campaign end in disappointment following a 4-1 round-of-16 defeat by Belgium.
The American side started the tournament strongly with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
Solid group-stage wins against Australia and a knockout triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 followed.
However, the tournament hosts crashed out in devastating fashion against the Red Devils.
Physical demands and pressing tactics
The Stars and Stripes were among the fittest teams at the tournament during the early stages.
Favourable weather conditions and climate-controlled stadiums in Los Angeles and Seattle aided their high-energy approach.
Fifa data revealed the hosts ranked fourth out of 48 teams in average speed, clocking 6.23 km/h.
They also placed eighth overall for average distance covered and number of sprints per match.
Belgium provide a harsh reality check
Despite their impressive athletic metrics, the squad found themselves outmatched by a superior European opponent.
Belgium surpassed Pochettino’s men in every major physical category during their knockout encounter.
The midfield battle proved particularly bruising against physical talents such as Dodi Lukebakio and Amadou Onana.
“When better teams match or better your work rate, you’re dead.”
An unnamed source highlighted the stark difference in quality when competing against top-tier international opposition.
Pochettino’s tactical blueprint
The Argentine manager successfully implemented his trademark high-pressing system throughout the competition.
Drawing inspiration from Marcelo Bielsa, the players eventually bought into the demanding tactical requirements.
While the group stages suggested significant progress, the final outcome will ultimately be viewed as a missed opportunity.
Morocco have been officially crowned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions months after the final, following a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to overturn Senegal’s on-pitch victory due to a team walk-off.
The dramatic ruling alters the history books, awarding a 3-0 forfeit victory to the Atlas Lions despite them initially losing 1-0 after extra time in the original fixture.
Chaos originally erupted during stoppage time of a tense goalless draw when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala was advised to consult the pitchside monitor.
The official controversially awarded a penalty for El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Brahim Diaz, prompting immediate fury from the West African nation.
Unprecedented pitch walk-off
Incensed by the late VAR intervention, the Senegalese players refused to continue and marched off the field in extraordinary scenes of protest.
Play was suspended for approximately 17 minutes before the squad eventually agreed to return to the pitch to face the penalty.
Justice appeared to be served for the Teranga Lions when goalkeeper Edouard Mendy spectacularly saved the resulting spot-kick from the Real Madrid playmaker.
Buoyed by the dramatic reprieve, Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal in extra time to seemingly reclaim the continental crown for his country.
CAF appeal board reverses result
However, the story took an unprecedented twist months later when African football’s governing body intervened following a formal review.
An official tribunal ruled that the lengthy protest constituted a match abandonment under tournament regulations.
“The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the final match.”
The governing body confirmed the result would be permanently recorded as a 3-0 victory in favour of the Moroccan football federation.
Senegal left furious by ruling
The Senegalese Football Federation immediately condemned the verdict, fiercely defending their players’ actions during the highly charged final.
“It is an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football.”
The administrative outcome means the North African side claim their second-ever AFCON title, adding to their historic 1976 triumph, without having lifted the trophy on the night.
Former international striker Alan Shearer believes England can win the World Cup following their heroic victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
The national side overcame high altitude, a hostile atmosphere, and being reduced to 10 men to secure a monumental knockout stage win.
Prior to the match, the 55-year-old pundit admits he did not view Thomas Tuchel’s squad as genuine contenders for the trophy.
“I didn’t truly believe England could win this World Cup – but I’ve changed my mind, and I think everyone else has too.”
Drawing parallels with Euro 96
The legendary Newcastle United forward drew strong comparisons between the current setup and his own experiences at the European Championships three decades ago.
During that home tournament, a famous 4-1 thrashing of the Netherlands gave the entire nation immense belief before an eventual semi-final exit.
Shearer feels the current generation will be experiencing that exact same unstoppable feeling following their resilience in North America.
“In my experience as a fan, player or pundit, whenever England have done well at a tournament, there’s always a performance like that from us somewhere that lifts everyone.”
Praise for Thomas Tuchel and his squad
While established stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham delivered crucial goals once again, the collective effort stood out most.
The BBC pundit described the resilient display against the host nation as the best team performance by the national side in his lifetime.
Substitutions made by the German manager played a crucial role in maintaining control and seeing out the result.
“Every single player who stepped on that pitch at the Azteca played their part, and Thomas Tuchel did too with his substitutions and how well they worked.”
Unmatched team spirit
Beyond the tactical execution on the pitch, the immense camaraderie within the camp has heavily impressed onlookers.
Post-match celebrations highlighted this deep unity, with defender John Stones faking an injury before dancing with his team-mates in the dressing room.
Even the usually focused head coach was taken in by the prank, showcasing a relaxed and unified atmosphere behind the scenes.
“I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed togetherness or team spirit like that – to get a result in such a tough scenario.”
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United as Mikel Arteta begins reshaping his squad for the upcoming season.
The 26-year-old becomes the first fresh arrival at Emirates Stadium this summer, following the club’s recent decision to make Piero Hincapie’s defensive loan spell permanent.
The Frenchman is expected to compete for crucial minutes alongside established shot-stoppers David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
This wealth of goalkeeping depth will allow highly-rated prospect Tommy Setford to temporarily depart on loan in search of regular first-team football.
A proven track record
Meslier departs Elland Road after an extended seven-year spell where he became a familiar and reliable fixture between the posts.
During his tenure with the West Yorkshire side, the goalkeeper amassed 215 appearances across all competitions while recording 70 clean sheets.
He will wear the number 30 shirt for the North London club as they prepare for a demanding domestic and European campaign.
Targeting major silverware
“I’m extremely happy. It’s a great day for me because I have just joined the champions,” Meslier said upon his arrival.
“For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England.”
“I cannot wait to show the love that I’ve got for this badge, and I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again.”
Defending champion Rory McIlroy claimed a share of the early lead at the Scottish Open after shooting a five-under-par 65 in his opening round at the Renaissance Club.
The four-time major winner sits at the summit alongside Tom Kim, Bernd Wiesberger and Patrick Cantlay.
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka is lurking just one shot further back in a tightly packed leaderboard.
Mixed start before eagle spark
Starting his round on the 10th tee, the world number two experienced a turbulent opening half.
He traded three birdies with two bogeys to reach the turn at one under par.
However, the 601-yard first hole perfectly suited the Northern Irishman’s aggressive game.
A colossal 352-yard drive set up a precise iron approach, allowing him to drain a 19-foot putt for eagle.
Despite missing two short birdie chances immediately afterwards, the 35-year-old rallied on his closing stretch.
Successive birdies on the seventh and eighth holes pushed him back to the top of the standings.
He then secured a crucial closing par with a masterful, back-spinning bunker shot on his final hole.
Confidence building on the links
McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his performance, particularly highlighting his accuracy off the tee as he prepares for the upcoming Open Championship.
“I thought for the most part, I played well. I felt like I drove the ball particularly well,” McIlroy said.
The former US Open champion noted that keeping the ball in play allows him to confidently attack pins and create scoring opportunities.
“Overall, good to get my first round of competitive golf on a links golf course and it’s obviously a great start to the tournament,” he added.
Home favourite MacIntyre rallies
Playing alongside the leader were home favourite Bob MacIntyre and newly-crowned US Open champion Wyndham Clark.
Both men carded solid opening rounds of 67 to remain firmly within striking distance at three under par.
Clark showed immense resilience to recover his round after dropping three shots in his first four holes.
Meanwhile, Scottish star MacIntyre relished the passionate support from the local galleries.
“Every time I come back and play in Scotland, it’s unbelievable,” said MacIntyre.
He added that the raucous atmosphere created by the fans and his elite playing partners gave him a significant boost.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is establishing new strategies to combat significant corruption and illegal betting concerns within global franchise cricket tournaments.
Internal documentation seen by BBC Sport reveals the sport’s integrity unit has reported growing evidence of illicit infiltration.
Corrupters are infiltrating leagues and players across a number of different member territories.
The global governing body is planning to form a working party to harmonise the international calendar and examine robust anti-corruption measures.
Expanded powers to sanction leagues
The executive committee is currently discussing wider mitigation strategies during their annual general meeting in Edinburgh.
These steps include expanding the parameters for when the global authority must officially sanction a domestic league.
Under current regulations, approval for non-full member countries is only required if a tournament features more than four recently capped international players.
Officials are also considering increasing their powers to intervene directly where integrity issues remain unaddressed.
Illegal betting sponsorship threat
Alongside direct infiltration, severe concerns have been raised regarding the surge of illegal betting sponsorships within franchise competitions.
The governing authority notes that these commercial partnerships expose host members to the risk of facilitating unlawful wagering.
This carries the potential for increased corruption.
Mauritius gains membership amid governance disputes
Elsewhere on the agenda, the island nation of Mauritius will be formally elected as a new member on Saturday.
Applications from Colombia, Poland, Latvia, Burundi and Burkina Faso were rejected for failing to meet strict membership criteria.
Meanwhile, USA Cricket and Cricket Canada remain suspended due to ongoing governance disputes.
The French cricket board is also facing potential disciplinary action over whether its executive structure remains fit for purpose.
France recently competed as a generic ‘France XI’ against Portugal after losing official status with their national sports ministry.
Finally, developments are being closely monitored at the Italian Cricket Federation following multiple board resignations shortly after the T20 World Cup.
Former Romania and CFR Cluj midfielder Gabriel Muresan has died at the age of 44 after drowning in a lake near the town where he served as mayor.
Local media reported on Thursday that the former international lost his life in an accident near Apold.
The Romanian Football Federation confirmed the passing of the midfielder, who earned nine caps for his country between 2007 and 2011.
Domestic success and European nights
During a highly successful playing career, the 44-year-old enjoyed his most prominent spell in Transylvania with CFR Cluj.
He captained the club during a golden era, securing three Romanian league titles in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
The ex-Cluj star also lifted three domestic cups during a six-season stay at the club.
His domestic triumphs earned him the opportunity to compete at the highest level of European football.
He featured in three Champions League group-stage campaigns, testing himself against elite opposition such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Roma.
International career and move into politics
On the international stage, his appearances for the national team included high-profile World Cup and European Championship qualifying fixtures.
He also earned international caps in matches against footballing heavyweights France and Brazil.
Following his retirement from professional sport in 2017, the former player transitioned into local politics.
He was elected as the mayor of Apold in 2020, where the local public authority described him as a devoted servant to their community.
Football world pays tribute
The European governing body Uefa released a statement on Thursday morning to express their sorrow over the sudden news.
On behalf of the European football community, we are saddened by the passing of former Romania international Gabriel Muresan at the age of 44. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who knew him.
Uefa
The Romanian Football Federation also offered their sympathies to his loved ones following the incident.
The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who knew Gabriel Muresan.
Romanian Football Federation