UCLA reportedly offered Nikola Kusturica a staggering two-year, $12 million NIL package.
The deal has yet to become official. And College basketball analyst Aaron Torres addressed the same in his recent video, talking about why UCLA spending so much to land the elite prospect makes sense.
Speaking on his YouTube show, Torres argued that NIL valuations should be judged by the market value.
“If they get him, here’s a couple things. One, we’re not going to pocket watch UCLA. We’re not going to say they overpaid. The market is what the market is.”
“I don’t believe Kentucky overpaid for Milan Momcilovic because what was the alternative? Not having a dude who averaged 17 a game in the Big 12 last year. I don’t believe that Louisville overpaid for Floyd Badunga… I don’t believe that John Calipari overpaid for Jordan Smith Jr… because again, what’s the alternative?”
For Torres, the question isn’t whether the reported $12 million figure sounds like a lot, it’s whether UCLA can afford to miss on a player of Kusturica’s caliber.
Nikola Kusturica’s UCLA Commitment Remains Unofficial
Despite widespread reports suggesting the Bruins have secured Kusturica, the recruitment is still not final yet.
Kentucky insider Dylan Topmiller reported that while UCLA appears to be in a strong position, Kusturica has not officially committed.
“I’m being told this report isn’t necessarily true at this moment. Despite things going in that very direction, Nikola Kusturica hasn’t “officially” committed to UCLA yet, I’ve been told. Don’t expect an official announcement until after the end of the FIBA 17U World Cup, which he reiterated he’s focused on.” – he wrote.
Torres echoed a similar sentiment: “I give UCLA credit if and when this becomes official, if and when it gets done.”
The analyst also explained why the Bruins have pursued Kusturica so aggressively.
“They’ve had the money. It has been available to them and they have been looking for this kind of guy.”
Kusturica averaged 22.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists during the FIBA U17 World Cup.
Whether UCLA ultimately lands him remains to be seen, but if the reported deal is completed, it would give the program a much-needed boost ahead of the 2026 season.
Also Read:
“This Has a Massive Impact on Recruiting”: Mark Pope Reacts to NCAA’s New 5-for-5 Eligibility Rule
“$30M”: Former NBA Star Claims He Would Have Made More Than Cooper Flagg if He Had Played in NIL Era
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