FC Barcelona's Nikola Kusturica Draws Attention from Gonzaga as NCAA Roster Spots Remain Open

ATHENS, GREECE - MAY 24: Nikola Kusturica, wearing jersey number 46 for U18 FC Barcelona, showcased his talent during the 2026 ANGE Finals Championship game against Real Madrid on May 24, 2026. (Photo by David Grau/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images) Currently, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are looking to fill four available spots on their 2026-27 roster, which consists of 15 total scholarship and walk-on positions. Fortunately for the coaching staff, particularly Director of Basketball Operations Jorge Sanz, they are actively seeking talent in Spain.

Reports indicate that the 6-foot-9 wing, Nikola Kusturica, has drawn interest from several prestigious programs, including Gonzaga, Kentucky, UCLA, Arizona, Duke, Louisville, and North Carolina. However, the Bulldogs, led by Coach Mark Few, and the Wildcats under Coach Mark Pope are viewed as the frontrunners to land the promising player.

At just 17 years old, Kusturica is already considered a top prospect for the 2028 NBA Draft, boasting experience in both the EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga ACB. Notably, he made history as the youngest player to score in a Liga ACB game at the age of 16. His recent performance helped FC Barcelona secure the U-18 NextGen EuroLeague championship against Real Madrid, where he tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, showcasing his skills as a shooter and playmaker.

Despite currently weighing only 180 pounds, Kusturica is seen as a player with enormous potential, particularly if he adds more weight during his college career. It appears likely that he could spend two years in the NCAA, starting off as a bench player before transitioning into a key role for Gonzaga in the 2027-28 season.

As he prepares to represent Serbia at the FIBA U-17 World Cup in Istanbul from June 27 to July 5, Kusturica's future remains bright, and his next steps in the basketball world are highly anticipated.