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UCLA Locks Up 17-Year-Old Serbian No. 1 Prospect

8/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

UCLA signed Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, a 17-year-old projected No. 1 pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.
He chose UCLA over Michigan and Kentucky and must play two seasons under the draft’s age rule.
He scored 37 points against Team USA in the FIBA U17 World Cup final this summer.
Coach Mick Cronin said he will protect Kusturica and called his passing a “huge weapon.”

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Story summary

UCLA signed Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, a 17-year-old projected No. 1 pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.
He chose UCLA over Michigan and Kentucky and must play two seasons under the draft’s age rule.
He scored 37 points against Team USA in the FIBA U17 World Cup final this summer.
Coach Mick Cronin said he will protect Kusturica and called his passing a “huge weapon.”