Sources: Nikola Kusturica, possible No. 1 NBA draft pick, chooses UCLA
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica has committed to UCLA on a multiyear deal, positioning the Bruins with one of the top European prospects in his age group and a potential No. 1 pick in the 2028 NBA draft.
- At 17 years old and standing 6-foot-8, Kusturica excelled at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup, earning All-Star Five honors and the Best Defensive Player award with averages of 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game.
- His recruitment saw competition from programs including Kentucky, Michigan, and Gonzaga, with UCLA ultimately securing his commitment after a dynamic recruitment period.
- Kusturica has a strong international pedigree, having won MVP at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket in 2023, and has been part of FC Barcelona's system since 2023, debuting for their first team in 2025 as the youngest player ever.
- His recent performance included a 37-point, nine-rebound game in Serbia's narrow loss to the United States in the Under-17 World Cup gold medal game.
