UCLA head coach Mick Cronin spoke to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein about Nikola Kusturica and the expectations surrounding his arrival in Los Angeles.
Cronin appeared on Inside College Basketball Now, Rothstein’s CBS Sports podcast. The UCLA coach discussed his highly touted freshman and what he expects from him during his first college season.
Kusturica is one of the most exciting young prospects in international basketball. The Serbian forward is already considered one of the leading candidates to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.
The 17-year-old committed to UCLA last month. He picked the Bruins over reigning national champion Michigan and Kentucky.
Kusturica will have to spend two seasons in college because of the NBA’s age eligibility rules. That gives Cronin and UCLA plenty of time to develop their newest star.
The Serbian prospect arrives in Los Angeles after a spectacular summer with the national team. He was one of the standout players at the FIBA U17 World Cup.
His best performance came in the championship game against Team USA. Kusturica exploded for 37 points and showed why he is already viewed as a future NBA star.
His arrival also gives UCLA a player who could dramatically change the team’s ceiling. The Bruins have not had a prospect with this level of NBA potential since Lonzo Ball arrived on campus a decade ago.
Claim Now Mick Cronin highlights what he thinks it’s best about Nikola Kusturica
However, Cronin does not want to put too much pressure on his freshman immediately.
The UCLA coach said the program will take “baby steps” with Kusturica. He also stressed that the teenager needs room to adjust to college basketball.
“I think I’ve got to protect him, though, because he’s coming to a place where everybody wants your blood,” Cronin said.
“The minute you don’t have a great game, they’re going to pick you apart. You’ve got to give the guy the chance. Leave the guy alone, let him do his thing. He’s going to have ups and downs.”
Cronin also revealed the part of Kusturica’s game that stands out most when he watches him on film.
It is not his scoring ability, athleticism or size. Instead, the UCLA coach highlighted the Serbian forward’s passing.
“The thing I love the most about him is his passing,” Cronin said. “Six-eight or nine and great with the bounce. The ability to find people over the top with his vision is a huge weapon. A huge weapon.”
That skill could make Kusturica particularly difficult to defend at the college level. His size allows him to see passing lanes that many players simply cannot find.
At the same time, he has enough ball-handling ability to create opportunities away from the paint.
UCLA will therefore have plenty of reasons to be excited about its new star. Kusturica brings elite potential, international experience and a versatile offensive skill set.
Cronin, however, appears determined to let the Serbian prospect develop naturally.
