Serbian freshman Nikola Kusturica made his television debut with the UCLA Bruins on Wednesday and he certainly looked like a star in the making. Despite being just 17-years old, Kusturica was clearly one of the more talented players on the court in UCLA’s 100-53 win over California Baptist in an exhibition game.
Kusturica’s statline was a full one. He scored 10 points with eight rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks. Kusturica did not have a turnover but he did shoot just 3-11 from the field and missed all six of his three-point shots.
Here’s what Kusturica had to say following his impressive showing in the exhibition game.
“I think I’m the type of player that can do a little bit of everything. So whatever coach wants me to do, I can adjust and do whatever he wants,” Kusturica said. “You can’t really put me in a box like ‘what am I going to do or not?’ I think whatever he needs, or what game he needs me to do what, I’m just going to do it.”Since Kusturica signed with UCLA, Mick Cronin has spoken glowingly of Kusturica and you can see why. Not only is Kusturica immensely talented, from all accounts, he has a thirst for improvement and is not afraid to put the work in.
“Whatever coach needs me to do that exact game, I can do it and sacrifice myself for the team.” Kusturica said.
Kusturica said that there’s a difference between European basketball and what he’s seen in college basketball in the United States but Wednesday’s was an example of just how high Kusturica’s floor is. Such a high floor makes it easy to daydream about what Kusturica’s ceiling might be over his next two seasons with the Bruins.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Nikola Kusturica speaks after his stellar showing versus Cal Baptist