League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Match Previews

UCLA gains traction in Nikola Kusturica recruitment race

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 7:37 PM

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

UCLA gains traction in Nikola Kusturica recruitment race

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Nikola Kusturica initially targeted Kentucky Wildcats for recruitment.
•UCLA Bruins now favored to land Kusturica according to new predictions.
•Michigan's coaching changes influenced Kusturica's recruitment.
•Kusturica is competing in the FIBA U17 World Cup, performing well.
•He is ineligible for next year's NBA draft, allowing further development.

Latest Updates

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

What they're saying

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The Kentucky Wildcats were once seen as the favorite for international recruit Nikola Kusturica, but another team may have passed them.
— Yahoo Sports

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NBA Basketball