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Serbian Forward Nikola Kusturica Signs Multiyear Deal with UCLA
Nikola Kusturica, a 6-foot-8 Serbian forward who turned 17 in April, has agreed to play for UCLA. ESPN reported the multiyear commitment, which positions the Bruins with an early candidate for the 2028 NBA draft's top pick.
Jul 9, 12:27 PM·1m read1 source
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Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica has reached a multiyear agreement to play for UCLA, sources told ESPN. The 6-foot-8 prospect, who turned 17 in April and remains two years from NBA eligibility, gives the Bruins an early contender for the top selection in the 2028 draft. Kusturica stood out at the recent FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Türkiye.
He earned a spot on the All-Star Five team after averaging 24.6 points and 6.9 rebounds across seven games. He also received the Best Defensive Player award with averages of 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. In the gold medal game, a loss to the United States, he recorded 37 points and nine rebounds.
The prior summer he won MVP honors at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket. He averaged 20.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists in seven games while leading Serbia to gold. Kusturica has been part of the FC Barcelona system since 2023.
He made his competitive debut for the club's first team in September 2025, becoming the youngest player ever to appear for Barcelona. He is expected to contribute immediately for UCLA coach Mick Cronin. The Bruins return three starters from last year's 24-12 team and add four transfers from power-conference programs, including Europeans Filip Jovic and Sergej Macura.
