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Nikola Kusturica speaks after his stellar showing versus Cal Baptist
- Story byUCLA Wire
- Nikola Kusturica speaks after his stellar showing versus Cal Baptist
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.
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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
