College basketball rankings: UCLA holds firm in Top 25 And 1 as star freshman Nikola Kusturica shines
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica, a 17-year-old forward ineligible for the 2027 NBA Draft, delivered a standout performance with 29 points, six rebounds, and zero turnovers in a 114-63 win over North Florida.
- Kusturica shot an impressive 10-of-12 overall and a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range in the first half, contributing to UCLA's 35-0 scoring run.
- Head coach Mick Cronin praised Kusturica's all-around game and ball security, highlighting his exceptional performance for a freshman.
- Kusturica is averaging 19.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 56.5%, establishing himself as a projected top-three pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.
- UCLA, currently ranked No. 14, will next face Arkansas Pine Bluff before likely meeting No. 6 Texas in the Rady Children's Invitational championship game after Thanksgiving.
