Serbian Superstar Nikola Kusturicas recruitment is coming to an end

Admittedly, it’s been a wild recruitment for the Nikola Kusturica sweepstakes. There is still some mixed information out there. One source believes there could still be multiple schools involved here. But after talking with some folks, I think it’s fair to say now his agents may have been leaking intentional information/numbers to force other schools to up their offers. Back on Monday I was receiving word it was done to Kentucky, along with Travis Branham’s Crystal Ball, Jack Pilgrim’s report that it was essentially done on Tuesday, it was coming out on all different levels that it was done to Kentucky: Talks of 2yr/12m, role, etc.

Michigan, and UCLA then became the front runners for Nikola Kusturica, with Michigan perceived as the leader. UM was actively prepping another offer for Nikola when Dusty May took the Dallas Mavericks Job, i’m told. With May moving on, Michigan has become extremely unlikely for Nikola Kusturica.

That gave Kentucky an opportunity to make one last strong push to land a commitment from Nikola, but the number that was originally reported could be a little less than what Kentucky is actually offering. That 2nd year potential of Nikola is the most important for Kentucky.

UCLA has become the outright leader, I’ve been told by multiple sources. They have a Serbian connection as well as atleast 1 Assistant Coaches has ties to the Serbian National Team Nikola plays for. Additionally, they also have a Serbian player on their roster. KSR’s Jack Pilgrim had reported that Nikola’s family are fans of Mick Cronin: That’s certainly what I’ve heard, aswell as the family preferring Westwood/Los Angeles over Lexington. UCLA has kept their Tounde Yessoufou funds stashed away. That been able to give the Bruins a competitive offer that’s kept them in contention financially. Year two is more important, but there is a path to quality playing time his first year that UCLA provides and Kentucky doesn’t.

It’s hard for anyone to predict this recruitment, and until that pen hits the paper and fully announced we won’t know of course, but based on everything I’m hearing the last couple days, and this morning, it sounds like a deal has been made, an agreement and verbal commitment are in place and just waiting for the signature, and the announcement to come anytime. It appears that he will end up a UCLA Bruin.

Kentucky will remain with 14 players and one more spot to fill, we’ll see what happens next.