Top European prospect Nikola Kusturica reached a multi-year agreement to play for UCLA, Bruins head coach Mick Cronin announced Thursday.
Kusturica chose the Bruins over Kentucky, Michigan, and Gonzaga, according to ESPN's Jeff Borzello.
The 6-foot-9 wing is two years away from being draft-eligible and is among the candidates to be selected No. 1 overall.
"Nikola is an elite prospect with great size, skill, and a competitive fire which is hard to find," Cronin said in a statement. "As a 6-foot-9 guard, he can play all over the floor. He impacts the game as a scorer, playmaker, and shot blocker."
Kusturica recently turned heads at the FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 24.6 points, 6.9 boards, 2.7 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks over seven appearances during Serbia's runner-up finish.
The 17-year-old dropped 37 points and nine boards in Serbia's 107-81 finals loss to the United States. His strong two-way performance earned him a spot on the tournament's All-Star Five team and the Best Defensive Player award.
Kusturica also captured MVP honors at the 2025 FIBA U16 EuroBasket after leading Serbia to a gold medal. He made his pro debut for FC Barcelona in September 2025, becoming the youngest player to play for the club's first team.
UCLA went 24-12 last season but were eliminated by UConn in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
