UCLA Basketball Gears Up for a Promising 2026-27 Season with 5-Star Addition
UCLA basketball is gearing up for a promising season ahead with the recent addition of 5-star Serbian player Nikola Kusturica to their roster for the 2026-27 season. According to college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein, the projected starting five for UCLA next season includes Trent Perry, Jaylen Petty, Kusturica, Eric Dailey, and Xavier Booker. With returning players like Dailey, Perry, and Booker, along with the addition of Petty, UCLA is expected to be a top 15 to 20 team next season.
Perry, the leading returning scorer for UCLA, averaged 12.6 points per game in the previous season, while Dailey and Booker also made significant contributions to the team. Petty, a transfer from Texas Tech, brings valuable experience to the Bruins with three years of eligibility remaining. The upcoming season will see a mix of experienced players and new additions, requiring head coach Mick Cronin to focus on building team chemistry before the season opener against Arizona.
The UCLA rotation for the 2026-27 season is expected to feature a deep and talented frontcourt, with players like Filip Jovic and Kusturica adding to the team's depth. Jovic, a transfer from Auburn, showed promise in his freshman season with the Tigers and is poised to make an impact off the bench for UCLA. With an emphasis on defense and floor spacing, UCLA is looking to improve on their performance from the previous season.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the Bruins are projected to be a competitive force in college basketball. With a strong roster and a focus on team chemistry, UCLA is poised to make a statement in the 2026-27 season.