Nikola Kusturica Scores 29 Points for UCLA Against North Florida

17-year-old Nikola Kusturica scored 29 points for UCLA, a performance that has him as a candidate for the number 1 pick in the 2028 draft.

The Serbian forward, who in February became the youngest in Barça history to score a basket in the ACB, has quickly made an impact in the NCAA. Kusturica’s breakout game came on Friday when UCLA defeated North Florida 114-63. Though he scored 9 points in his debut against Arizona and Bryce James, his latest performance has established him as a standout.

Rapid Rise in College Basketball

Kusturica, standing at 2,03, is already drawing attention in the United States. The young star, who spent three years at the club, signed a two-year, $12 million contract, a deal that exceeds the $8 million LeBron James will earn with the Sixers over the same period.

While his salary is noteworthy, it is his on-court performance that is generating the most buzz. Against North Florida, he shot nearly perfectly, making 10 of 12 field goals and 4 of 6 three-point attempts. His versatility, defensive capabilities, and skill in creating shots for himself have made him a standout in his freshman year.

A Calm Beyond His Years

Despite the early hype and pressure, Kusturica remains remarkably composed. When asked about his mindset during his high-scoring performance, he spoke with a humility that reflects his training at La Masia.

“Honestly, nothing was going through my mind, just to keep playing,” Kusturica told Yahoo Sports. “Shot after shot, shot and I don’t even think. I don’t think like, ‘I’m unstoppable.’ I just kept shooting.”

Mick Cronin Praises Kusturica's Maturity

UCLA coach Mick Cronin, known for his demanding standards, has been effusive in his praise for the young Serbian. Cronin, the former coach of Aday Mara, highlighted Kusturica’s maturity.

“He didn’t have turnovers with the ball in his hands the whole time, which you don’t hear from a freshman,” Cronin said. “He has a maturity that is not proper for his age.”

Kusturica is not the only young Barcelona star making waves in the NCAA. His former teammate, Joaquim Boumtje, is also playing at Duke and is also a candidate for the 2028 NBA Draft. The two won the Euroleague Junior title together with Barça in May, defeating Real Madrid in the final.

A New Era for La Masia?

Nikola Kusturica and Joaquim Boumtje, products of La Masia, are candidates for the number 1 pick in the 2028 NBA draft.

What’s Next for Kusturica

With the 2028 NBA Draft still years away, Kusturica’s immediate focus will be on his collegiate career at UCLA. The team’s schedule provides numerous opportunities for him to build on his early success and further solidify his status as a top prospect.

His next game will be a key test for the freshman star as UCLA continues its season. As the competition level increases, all eyes will be on how the Barça prodigy handles the challenges ahead.