17-Year-Old Nikola Kosturica Signs $12 Million Deal to Play College Basketball at UCLA

Nikola Kosturica, a 17-year-old basketball prodigy currently playing for Barcelona, has agreed to a lucrative two-year contract worth $12 million to play college basketball at UCLA. Kosturica, regarded as one of Europe's top young talents, made history by becoming the youngest player to appear for Barcelona in the Spanish league, surpassing Ricky Rubio's record. In February, he scored 11 points in a senior-level game against Manresa.

In addition to his club achievements, Kosturica has excelled internationally, leading Serbia to victory in the European Under-16 Championship and reaching the final of the Under-17 World Championship, where he is expected to be named the tournament's most valuable player. He averaged 22 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during the World Championship.

Kosturica also shone in the EuroLeague Next Generation tournament, earning the title of the final's best player. Despite his youth, he is anticipated to compete against college players up to seven years older. Other top programs, including Kentucky, have shown interest in him, but Barcelona may seek a transfer fee for his move. Kosturica is a distant relative of renowned filmmaker Emir Kusturica.