Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Draft

Mick Cronin discusses UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica's expectations

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 4:25 PM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Mick Cronin discusses UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica's expectations

Summary

Mick Cronin outlined his expectations for UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica, a standout forward from Serbia, in an interview on August 11, 2026. Kusturica, a potential No. 1 pick in the 2028 NBA Draft, committed to UCLA after an impressive run at the FIBA U17 World Cup. Cronin emphasized the need to manage Kusturica's transition to college basketball carefully, acknowledging the pressure to perform at UCLA. The arrival of Kusturica enhances UCLA's roster, which aims for a stronger performance following a couple of seasons in the Big Ten. The Bruins currently rank No. 17 in the AP Top 25 poll following Kusturica's commitment.

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Key Details

•Kusturica is a top contender for the 2028 NBA Draft.
•He recently scored 37 points in a championship game against Team USA.
•UCLA aims for a stronger season after finishing both previous years with 13-7 records.
•Cronin emphasizes a gradual approach to integrating Kusturica into the team.
•UCLA is currently ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25 poll.

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