UCLA Signs 17-Year-Old Nikola Kusturica, Potential No. 1 Pick in 2028 NBA Draft
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 9
UCLA Signs 17-Year-Old Nikola Kusturica, Potential No. 1 Pick in 2028 NBA Draft
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 9
Summary
Nikola Kusturica, a 6-foot-9 Serbian guard who turned 17 in April, agreed to a multiyear deal with UCLA and is expected to step in as the Bruins’ top player immediately.
The 2028 NBA draft prospect arrives after starring at the FIBA U17 World Cup, where he averaged 24.6 points and 6.9 rebounds, made the All-Star Five and won best defensive player.
His profile surged further in the title game despite Serbia’s 107-81 loss to Team USA, with Kusturica scoring 37 points and grabbing nine rebounds against an unbeaten U.S. squad.
For Mick Cronin, who has criticized NIL and the transfer portal, the signing marks a major international recruiting win as UCLA tries to rebound from a second-round exit after missing the 2024 NCAA tournament.