Kusturica Stands Out Again at UCLA with 29 Points

Serbian basketball talent Nikola Kusturica drew attention in his second game in a UCLA jersey, despite being only 17 years old. In the North Florida game, which the Bruins dominated, he scored 26 points in the first half, prompting fans at Pauley Pavilion to chant MVP. The young player, who signed a two-year, lucrative NIL deal with the program, will not be eligible for the NBA Draft.

Kusturica finished the game with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in 22 minutes. He made 10 of 12 field goal attempts and hit all 5 of his free throw attempts.

UCLA head coach Cronin pointed to the less noticeable aspects of the player's game after the match. The coach noted that Kusturica did not commit a single turnover despite handling the ball in many situations, calling it a rare trait for a freshman. Cronin said the player can grab rebounds, plays defense and can do every job on the court. He also said that over his career he has given many freshmen opportunities, but none of them has been at this level.