Mick Cronin discusses UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica's expectations

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.

• 4:25 PMCBS Sports — Mick Cronin outlines expectations for UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica, potential No. 1 pick in 2028 NBA Draft