UCLA Freshman Nikola Kusturica Displays Maturity Beyond His Years

UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica, at 17 years old, is already being compared to NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Kusturica, a small forward projected as a top pick in the 2028 NBA Draft, even believes he might be a better passer than Antetokounmpo. He spent time this summer training with the Milwaukee Bucks star and was particularly struck by Antetokounmpo's relentless work ethic.

"To see how an NBA star is working like he’s hungry and he has everything already," Kusturica said, "that was a big thing for me."

His dedication is evident on the court. Bruins coach Mick Cronin had to restrict Kusturica from additional workouts this summer, noting the freshman's tendency to overexert himself. "He goes hard, he never subs out," Cronin said of the player expected to be an immediate starter. "He acts like a senior as far as that goes. … I have got to manage him as far as how to get through this, but he’s so driven to be a great player."

Kusturica's physical attributes, including his long arms and legs, make him appear taller than his listed 6-foot-9 height. During a recent practice session observed by reporters, he demonstrated impressive defensive instincts, blocking shots and stifling opponents. His confidence and determined movements belie his age, making it difficult to distinguish him from the upperclassmen on the roster.

"It’s really, really hard," Cronin remarked, "to grasp that he’s 17."

This past summer, Kusturica led his native Serbia to a gold medal at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup, averaging 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He also earned the Best Defensive Player award, adding 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. This performance was particularly noteworthy as it followed a three-month injury layoff.

"I saw what I can do when I’m not physically ready," Kusturica stated, recalling his 37-point, nine-rebound performance against the United States in the gold medal game. "So, yeah, it was a confidence booster."

Initially, Kusturica was slated to play professionally in Spain with FC Barcelona before entering the NBA. However, the possibility of a college career led him to consider offers from UCLA, Kentucky, Michigan, and Gonzaga. He ultimately chose UCLA, envisioning two years of development under Cronin before meeting NBA draft eligibility requirements.

"I just like what the coach and other staff members had to say," Kusturica explained, "about my growth over the two years that I will probably be here."

Cronin and his staff were impressed by Kusturica's competitive drive and coachability. "Look, he wouldn’t have come here if he didn’t have a great attitude," Cronin said. "Other schools try to scare you, you know. And it backfired on all of them with him. So he wanted to be coached. He didn’t want to be lied to. So it played right into our hands. It was beautiful."

Kusturica declined an invitation to play for the Serbian National Team this summer to remain at UCLA, focusing on team integration and conditioning. He has begun strengthening his 205-pound frame with the help of athletic performance coach Dave Andrews, aiming to compete in the Big Ten conference.

He believes UCLA offers the ideal pathway to an NBA career. "I think it’s a really good opportunity," Kusturica said, "because just being in college, playing with older guys and being in that type of system I think is a big thing, and I think we’ll for sure develop better than we would back in Spain, 100%."

This emphasis on development mirrors his past experience, as he was also limited in his access to extra workouts while playing in Spain. "I had the same thing happen in Spain and Barcelona," Kusturica noted. "They wouldn’t let me in the gym."