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Elite recruit commits to Big Ten program over Michigan Basketball
Maize n Brew • • general
Key Points:
- Serbian wing Nikola Kusturica, a top international freshman prospect, has committed to UCLA, ending Michigan’s hopes of securing him for their final roster spot.
- Kusturica gained prominence after an MVP performance at the 2025 FIBA U16 EuroBasket Tournament, averaging 20 points and near 8 rebounds per game, and is projected as a future NBA lottery pick.
- Michigan’s recruiting momentum for Kusturica shifted after assistant coach Dusty May left for the Dallas Mavericks, leading to UCLA gaining the upper hand in the recruitment battle.
- This commitment is a significant setback for interim Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr., especially as Kusturica was once considered a strong candidate to join the Wolverines.
- Michigan now focuses on retaining its current roster, with guard L.J. Cason being the only player yet to reaffirm his commitment for the upcoming season.
