Can UCLA's Nikola Kusturica win the Big Ten Freshman of the Year?

Do the UCLA Bruins have their next home-grown star on their hands? It might not come to fruition this season for the 17-year old Nikola Kusturica but the Serbian’s potential is something UCLA hasn’t seen in recent years.

After playing for FC Barcelona and Team Serbia, Kusturica came to the United States, joining Mick Cronin’s UCLA team in the Big Ten Conference. CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter picked Kusturica to win the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year despite being just 17-years old for the entire season.

“The Serbian product is only 17 (he can buy Vodka in Serbia in April), but he’s got so much game. Kusturica averaged a whopping 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists while excelling defensively in the FIBA U17 World Cup,” Trotter said. “Although Kusturica is young, the 6-9 forward has the tools (and mindset) to be an impact player from the beginning. Kusturica’s motor is off the charts. He plays hard every single day of the week and twice on Sundays. His cutting, rebounding and defensive versatility are very valuable.”

It might not happen all in one year for Kusturica but that’s not a problem. He’s two years away from NBA Draft eligibility, meaning he’ll have plenty of time to fine tune his game in Westwood.

“Even on the nights when the shot isn’t dropping, he’s capable of impacting the game in a ton of ways,” Trotter said. “Temper your expectations early for one of the youngest players in the sport, but Kusturica’s time is coming soon.” 

UCLA brought in players like Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau through the transfer portal to beef up their roster in recent years but Kusturica represents something different, and potentially more dynamic, for UCLA basketball.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Can UCLA’s Nikola Kusturica win the Big Ten Freshman of the Year?