UCLA's offer for Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica surfaces

· Yahoo Sports

Just how much are the UCLA Bruins looking at paying for a European teenager? Reports are surfacing that UCLA is preparing to make a two-year $12 million offer for Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica.

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Some reports have stated that Kusturica is committing to UCLA, but that may be jumping the gun. Kusturica is currently playing for the Serbian U17 Team at the U17 FIBA World Cup, where he’s been a star, putting up 22 points per game.

Kusturica has NBA potential but isn't draft-eligible until after the 2027-2028 season, which makes the 6’8” 17-year old a very compelling recruit for the Bruins. Mick Cronin has built out this year’s UCLA roster with solid players, but there isn’t a clear star that could help elevate the Bruins offense.

If Kusturica does eventually sign officially with UCLA, he instantly becomes the most compelling storyline for next year’s team. Not only is Cronin and the Bruins program set to invest heavily into the young forward, he also has the potential that could transform the team’s expectations for the 2026-2027 season.

Kusturica is currently playing for FC Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to achieve several feats for Barcelona’s first team. When facing competition at his own age, Kusturica dominates. The lengthy forward has shown off all aspects of his game, including three-point shooting, active hands and that he’s a capable rebounder.

It’ll be interesting to see how quickly Kusturica would become a focal point for the UCLA rotation if he does wind up in Westwood, but at a $6 million per year price tag, it might lead to Kusturica immediately getting featured by the Bruins.

UCLA has waited out the market for an impact player, and it appears that Kusturica might be just that for the Bruins.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA's offer for Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica surfaces

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