Nikola Kusturica scored 29 points, including four three-pointers, in UCLA’s win over North Florida on Friday, turning heads just two games into his college career. The 17-year-old freshman shot 10 of 12 from the field in a first half where he did not miss a single attempt, outscoring North Florida on his own and making a strong case for himself as a rising star in college basketball.
Kusturica’s length and mobility were on full display. Listed at 6’9”, his impressive wingspan allowed him to impact the game on both ends, grabbing six rebounds, dishing three assists, blocking two shots, and recording a steal without turning the ball over once. UCLA’s coaching staff has praised his defensive potential, noting how his reach and fluid movement will challenge opponents all season.
“You just don’t see a wing defender with that kind of length and mobility,” said a scout on social media after the game. “He’s elite.” The same source pointed to Kusturica’s ability to move seamlessly for his size, a factor that could make him a standout once he gains more experience and strength.
After the match, Kusturica downplayed the idea of being “hot” during his scoring spree. “Nothing to be honest. Just keep playing,” he said. “Shot after shot, I shot it and didn’t even think. I don’t think like ‘I’m hot’. I just kept shooting, I saw the ball go in and I just kept shooting.”
His teammate Eric Dailey Jr. said the young freshman’s performance was something he had never seen before at college level, especially from someone so young. “Nah, not as a freshman. Especially at 17,” Dailey said. “I felt it when he shot the first shot and it went in. I was like ‘Oh, he might have a night.’ Then he shot the next one, I was like ‘Ohhh.’ Then he got those fast breaks.”
Kusturica’s adjustment to college basketball has not been without challenges. He acknowledged the early weeks were tough as he adapted to Coach Mick Cronin’s system and the pace of the game. “When I came here, I was struggling a little bit, just adjusting to the college game and Eric especially helped me a lot just overcome the things that I was facing. Trent (Perry) also but Eric especially,” he said.
His development so far suggests those early struggles are fading. UCLA’s staff and players appear confident in Kusturica’s future contributions after just this brief introduction. His ability to score efficiently, defend multiple positions, and contribute across the stat sheet sets him apart among freshmen.
Kusturica’s breakout came just days after a quieter debut in UCLA’s surprising victory over No. 5 Arizona, where he scored nine points. The leap in production and confidence has been rapid, a sign of potential that UCLA will look to build on as the season progresses.
According to Yahoo Sports.