Of all the highlights in the UCLA Bruins’ exhibition win over California Baptist University on Wednesday, the Bruins’ freshman class might be the most exciting for Mick Cronin’s team heading into the 2026-2027 season.

UCLA’s Nikola Kusturica and Joe Philon III look like potential stars for the Bruins, and Cronin knows it too. In his postgame press conference, Cronin gushed about both Kusturica and Philon, who appear to be picture-perfect fits on this UCLA team.

Before a reporter could even complete his question about Kusturica, Cronin interrupted to voice his praise for his new Serbian freshman, who scored 10 points on Wednesday.

“He had 12 deflections on top of six assists, no turnovers, eight rebounds, two blocks and five steals. He can dominate the game in a lot of ways,” Cronin said. “They were running a double screen and he’s guarding a 6’0” guy in an exhibition game and we’re up 30 and he’s chasing that guy off the double like Kobe Bryant was chasing the guy from Spain off of doubles in the Olympic game 20 years ago.”

Kusturica will have games where he scores more, but it’s games like Wednesday that endears him to his teammates and coaching staff. 

“That’s why he’s a special player. Most people 17 are juniors in high school, and look at him. It’s very rare. I’m very thankful he put his faith in us to help further his development,” Cronin said. “He’s going to have games with 35, but he’s going to have games like tonight, where he’s clearly a dominant player without making a lot of shots.”Cronin was impressed by Philon too, crediting his coaching staff for finding Philon from across the country and landing him with the Bruins.

“Joe-Joe Philon is the steal of the recruiting class. Complete steal. Great job by my coaching staff. Joe-Joe is from Tampa, it’s a long ways away.” Cronin said.

Philon scored 13 points and added seven rebounds for UCLA off of the bench, in an encouraging performance for the freshman.

“I’m just glad to be here in this program surrounded by so many good players and a legendary coach,” Philon said. “I’m just a hustle guy. I’m gonna play as hard as I can, do whatever I can to win.”