We’re just two games into the season for the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team but from the looks of it, the team will have two freshmen in their rotation with Nikola Kusturica and Joe Philon III. 

What makes the duo so exciting is that they are both active defenders, having already made a difference on that side of the ball early in their college careers. Kusturica is averaging 5.5 rebounds along with 2.5 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. Philon has been nearly as good, providing 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.

Oftentimes you’ll see freshmen struggle initially to begin their NCAA careers but that has not been the case for either of UCLA’s freshmen, with head coach Mick Cronin already trusting both of his freshmen to hold up on defense.

“I haven’t coached freshmen that defend like that,” Cronin said. “Most freshmen turn it over and can’t guard anybody. Because their high school coach couldn’t make them because they’re worried about in this era, some prep school is going to buy them.”

The lack of turnovers is another plus for Cronin, with Philon and Kusturica having combined for one turnover in the two games. It’s easy to see why the two freshmen are able to find success. Kusturica has a terrific frame for defense at 6’9” and a huge wingspan. Philon has extreme bounce too and has had very active hands in his first two college games.

Both Kusturica and Philon have sky-high ceilings. Kusturica is a legitimate NBA prospect while Philon has the athleticism and understanding of a role that could make him desirable at the next level. Until then, it should be an entertaining era of UCLA basketball.