​UCLA men’s basketball is strengthening its roster for the 2026-27 season by adding two more freshmen, including a highly touted prospect who is viewed by some as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2028 NBA Draft. Gunārs Grīnvalds and Nikola Kusturica will join Javonte Floyd and Joe Philon III in the Bruins’ incoming class, as announced by UCLA head coach Mick Cronin on Thursday. Cronin expressed enthusiasm about the additions, emphasizing both players’ potential to elevate the program and contribute immediately as freshmen.
“Nikola is an elite prospect with great size, skill and a competitive fire that is hard to find,” Cronin said, according to UCLA Athletics. “As a 6-foot-9 guard, he can play all over the floor. He impacts the game as a scorer, playmaker and shot blocker. For a very young player, Nik has had a decorated career with the Serbian national team and his club team in Barcelona. UCLA appreciates the support of his international team and his club for their cooperation and development of Nikola.” Cronin noted that Kusturica’s experience and versatility should enable him to influence both ends of the floor from day one, positioning him to be a cornerstone for the Bruins’ lineup next season.
Describing Gunārs Grīnvalds, Cronin highlighted his shooting prowess and physical attributes. “Gunārs can really shoot the ball at an elite level. We like that he has good size at his position, and we are excited that he has chosen to join us at UCLA. Gunārs is interested in his development and continued improvement as a player. We believe he is a great fit here at UCLA, as he’s an excellent student and a very hard worker. We look forward to having both these young men join our program this summer.” Grīnvalds, who spent part of 2025 competing professionally in Spain, brings international experience and a strong shooting profile to the Bruins.
Kusturica, who turned 17 in April, is already drawing attention on the European circuit. He plays for FC Barcelona’s youth program and posted impressive numbers in recent showings: in May, the 6-foot-9 guard/forward averaged 16.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists across six games to help FC Barcelona capture the U18 Adidas Next Generation Tournament championship. His performance trajectory has sparked conversations about his potential impact at UCLA in the near term as well as the long term.
Kusturica’s international success continued at the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup, where he led Serbia with averages of 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game across seven contests. He also contributed 16 steals and 12 blocks, earning Best Defensive Player honors and a spot on the All-Star Five. With a resume that includes elite competition and consistent production, Kusturica is widely viewed as a top European prospect within his age group and a candidate to be among the top picks in the 2028 NBA Draft, according to analysts and sports insiders, including ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
Recent developments surrounding Kusturica have included talks of a multi-year agreement to join UCLA, with reports indicating that the program has secured a commitment that places him in a favorable position as a potential future starter. ESPN coverage highlighted the significance of signing a player of his caliber, given the Bruins’ need for high-end talent at the guard/forward hybrid position and his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, Grīnvalds’ path to UCLA has included professional exposure in Spain, where he contributed to Real Madrid’s recent campaigns, including helping the team secure the LigaU title and delivering standout performances during the NextGen EuroLeague Finals. The 18-year-old’s frame and shooting ability, combined with international experience representing Latvia at the 2024 U16 Eurobasket, add a versatile dimension to UCLA’s perimeter arsenal. His time with Real Madrid and exposure to high-level competition should aid his transition to NCAA basketball and provide Cronin with multiple lineup options.
The Bruins’ incoming class is shaping up as one of the more intriguing groups in recent years, given the combination of Kusturica’s elite guard talents and Grīnvalds’ shooting and development potential. UCLA fans are anticipating how Cronin will integrate these two newcomers with Floyd and Philon III, as well as the rest of the roster, to compete at a high level in the 2026-27 season. As the team continues to build toward its goals, Cronin’s optimism about the two freshmen underscores UCLA’s commitment to adding top-tier international talent and cultivating players who can impact games on multiple fronts.
In summary, UCLA’s 2026-27 freshmen class now includes Nikola Kusturica and Gunārs Grīnvalds, two players with international pedigrees and high ceilings, joined by Javonte Floyd and Joe Philon III. The program’s leadership envisions both newcomers contributing from day one, enhancing UCLA’s depth, shooting, versatility, and long-term potential in a conference and national landscape that increasingly prioritizes multi-positional players and global recruiting. The Bruins’ announcement signals a renewed emphasis on blended development across domestic and international pathways to sustain competitiveness for years to come.