sports
UCLA men’s basketball adds 17-year-old Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica
The UCLA men’s basketball team signed 17-year-old Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, who agreed to a NIL package and is expected on campus in August. Kusturica averaged 20 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks at the 2025 FIBA Under-16 Eurobasket tournament.
Jul 9, 11:23 AM·1m read1 source
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UCLA men’s basketball signed 17-year-old Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica after he agreed to a NIL package. The 6-foot-7 prospect turns 18 next April and will not be eligible for the NBA draft until 2028, positioning him to play two college seasons.
Kusturica scored 37 points against the U.S. team in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup championship game earlier this week. He was named Most Valuable Player of the 2025 FIBA Under-16 Eurobasket tournament after leading his team to the title with averages of 20 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks.
Background and path to UCLA Kusturica became the youngest player to appear in a EuroLeague game for FC Barcelona. His FIBA commitments are expected to delay his arrival on campus until August. Other programs including Michigan, Kentucky and Gonzaga were also in contact with the prospect. UCLA’s international recruiting benefited from the presence of an assistant coach who is a Serbian native.
Roster implications Kusturica is projected by some observers as a possible NBA lottery pick. He is expected to compete for the starting small-forward role, which would allow Eric Dailey Jr. to shift to power forward. The team’s other small-forward options include Eric Freeny, transfer Sergej Macura and freshman Joe Philon.
Kusturica joins transfers Filip Jovic, Macura, Jaylen Petty and Azavier Robinson plus freshmen Joe Philon and Javonte Floyd as the seventh newcomer for the upcoming season.
