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Why Nikola Kusturica Signing Cronin's Final Prayer at UCLA

The massive two-year Name, Image, and Likeness deal signed by Serbian Nikola Kusturica could be the final lifeline for Mick Cronin at UCLA.
Alan Rubenstein|
Mick Cronin
Mick Cronin | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans On SI

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It was reported that UCLA signed Serbian wing Nikola Kusturica to an NIL contract worth potentially eight figures to bring him to Westwood. This could be head coach Mick Cronin's final lifeline to keeping his job.

Cronin has 162 wins and 76 losses and 94 wins and 43 losses in conference games in seven seasons at UCLA. The Bruins are 47-23 overall and have had 13 wins and seven losses in each of their first two seasons in the Big 10. UCLA has regressed in the NCAA Tournament under Cronin.

UCLA NCAA Tournament History Under Mick Cronin

After the 2020 NCAA Tournament was canceled, Cronin led UCLA from the First Four to the Final Four in his inaugural postseason with the Bruins in 2021. UCLA reached the regional semifinals in the 2022 and 2023 NCAA Tournaments. The Bruins were eliminated in the second round in each of the last two NCAA Tournaments.

Cronin is fifth in UCLA history, coaching in 238 games, fifth with 162 wins, sixth with 176 losses, and ninth with a .681 winning percentage. The 2023 PAC-12 regular-season title is the only conference championship for UCLA under Cronin. Cronin is fifth in UCLA history with five NCAA Tournament appearances and one of six Bruins' head coaches with a Final Four appearance.

Schools UCLA Outbid To Sign Kusturica

Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo! Sports reported that UCLA outbid programs including Gonzaga, Kentucky, and defending National Champion Michigan to sign Kusturica. The bidding war began when Kusturica's representatives indicated a few months ago that the Serbian was open to playing college basketball in the United States.

Kusturica is expected to remain at UCLA for two seasons, as he is not eligible for the NBA Draft until 2028. The 5-star prospect did not turn 17 until April 30. NBA scouts consider Kusturica to be one of several early contenders to be the first pick in the 2028 NBA Draft if his development continues at the same pace, per Eisenberg.

How Kusturica Fits With UCLA

Most projections expect Kusturica to be the UCLA starting small forward. Longtime CBS Sports college basketball analyst and reporter Jon Rothstein expects the UCLA starting five to be Trent Perry, Jaylen Petty, Kusturica, Eric Dailey, and Xavier Booker.

Dailey and Perry are the two leading returning scorers for UCLA. Booker gives UCLA a shot-blocking presence inside, and Petty is a transfer from Texas Tech who can play either backcourt position. The signing of Kusturica raises expectations for UCLA in 2026-27 and puts Cronin further on the hot seat.

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Alan Rubenstein
ALAN RUBENSTEIN

Alan Rubenstein has decades of experience covering the Big Four American sports and is currently a UCLA reporter with On SI. Over the last 10 years, his primary focus has been covering college sports. That includes two Final Fours and one College Football National Championship Game.