Nikola Kusturica commits to UCLA basketball program

Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, a 17‑year‑old 6‑foot‑9 guard/forward who has played for FC Barcelona’s youth squads, announced he will join the UCLA Bruins this fall. The signing was confirmed by the university and adds to a recruiting class that also includes Latvian forward Gunars Grinvalds and several other U.S. prospects.

Kusturica was a standout at the FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 24.6 points and 6.9 rebounds and earning the tournament’s top defensive player honor. He is widely projected as an early candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2028 NBA draft. UCLA secured his commitment after a competitive recruiting battle that saw Kentucky’s staff miss out on the prospect.

The addition bolsters UCLA’s roster ahead of the 2026‑27 season and is expected to generate significant buzz around both the college program and the upcoming NBA draft classes.