UCLA gains traction in Nikola Kusturica recruitment race

Nikola Kusturica, previously expected to join the Kentucky Wildcats, is now leaning towards the UCLA Bruins. The Wildcats had been seen as the frontrunners after a prediction from 247Sports, but heavy involvement from UCLA has shifted the. Following Michigan's coach Dusty May's departure to the NBA, 247Sports has updated its prediction, now favoring UCLA to secure Kusturica's commitment. The elite talent is currently showcasing his skills at the FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds per game. Kusturica remains ineligible for the next NBA draft, giving whichever team he joins two years to develop him.

• 7:37 PMYahoo Sports — Kentucky is no longer the front-runner for Nikola Kusturica