The UCLA Bruins made a hard push recently for Nikola Kusturica, and he is about to head to Los Angeles to play for the Bruins this fall, according to Aris Barkas of Eurohoops.
“It was already reported that the Serb Nikola Kusturica is about to leave Barcelona for the NCAA, and according to MeridianSports, his destination will be UCLA, with a two-year deal paying him $12 million,” Barkas wrote.
UCLA Reportedly Secures 2026 Recruiting Target Serbian Teenager With Huge Offer
However, it must be said that Kusturica hasn’t officially made his collegiate decision and won’t until after the 2026 U17 World Cup concludes tomorrow.
I’m being told this report isn’t necessarily true at this moment.
Despite things going in that very direction, Nikola Kusturica hasn’t “officially” committed to UCLA yet, I’ve been told.
Don’t expect an official announcement until after the end of the FIBA 17U World Cup,… https://t.co/DedBUwwTqz
— Dylan (@BigBlueDylan) July 4, 2026
While Barcelona reportedly wanted to keep Kusturica, UCLA’s offer is just too much for them to compete, Barkas added. Plus, Kusturica is familiar with UCLA assistant Nemanja Jovanovic, who is on the Serbian national team staff. Gonzaga, Louisville, Arizona, Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina were also in the mix.
Kusturica spent most of the past season with Barca LigaU squad, where he was productive yet inefficient. The 6-8 wing also appeared in nine contests for Barca, seeing limited action.
As mentioned above, Kusturica is currently participating in Turkiye with the Serbian U17 squad. Kusturica has been terrific in the tournament and has the Serbs (5-1) in the Finals against Team USA (6-0) on Sunday.
Kusturica has shown off his all-around game in Turkiye, averaging 22.0 points on 51.9% from the field and 2.2 threes at a 36.7% clip. Kusturica has also totaled 6.8 rebounds — including 1.8 offensive — 2.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game.
While Kusturica has scored in double figures in all six games, he has stepped up his production in the Knockout phase, scoring at least 25 points in each of the last three games. Additionally, he has produced one double-double.
What Does Nikola Kusturica’s Addition Mean For UCLA?
Kusturica is an elite-scoring wing who can create and possesses NBA-level tools. Kusturica projects to be the Bruins’ top offensive initiator, with Skyy Clark out of eligibility. However, he has appealed to the NCAA for an extra year, and Tyler Bilodeau was selected in the second round of the NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets. His NIL deal is for two years as he isn’t draft-eligible until 2028.
Kustrica thrives in transition and has the skill to be a secondary playmaker. He is also a versatile defender who can guard all three backcourt spots and some 4s.
UCLA went 24-12 this past season while finishing sixth in the Big Ten at 13-7. But the Bruins lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year.
Overall, the Bruins are 47-23 and 26-14 in Big Ten play under Mick Cronin over the last two years. They have won at least 20 games in five of Cronin’s seven campaigns and have reached the Sweet 16 three times.
Kusturica’s addition would give UCLA 13 players, with the status of Markell Alston and Jack Seidler unknown. So, if Alston and Seidler are on the squad, Kusturica would give the Bruins 15 players. Trent Perry (12.6 points, 2.8 assists), Eric Dailey Jr. (11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds) and Xavier Booker (7.3 points, 3.5 rebounds) lead five returning players.
Cronin has brought in eight newcomers, four of them being transfers. Six-foot-9 forward Filip Jovic (6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds), Jaylen Petty (9.9 points, 2.1 3-pointers), Sergej Macura (5.0 points, 4.8 rebounds) and Azavier Robinson (6.1 points, 43.3% 3-point%) are the transfers.
Kusturica would be UCLA’s fourth incoming freshmen. He joins Real Madrid’s Gunars Grinvalds as international players. Consensus 4-star Joe Philon is the Bruins’ lone Blue Chip recruit, with 6-8 big Javonte Floyd also in the 2026 class.
Photo Credit: Bill Streicher, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
