The UCLA men’s basketball team has bolstered its lineup with an exciting new addition on the wing.
Gunars Grinvalds, a 6-foot-7 forward hailing from Latvia and previously playing with Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, announced on Instagram last Friday that he has committed to joining the Bruins.
With his impressive combination of size, shooting prowess, and playmaking skills, Grinvalds stands a strong chance of securing immediate playing time in a much-needed position. However, at just 18 years old, he will need to prove he can hold his own against more seasoned teammates.
UCLA has a history of recruiting European talent, with varying degrees of success.
One notable success story is Spanish center Aday Mara, who demonstrated considerable potential by the end of his sophomore year with the Bruins. He later transferred to Michigan, where he played a key role in securing a national championship and emerged as a projected lottery pick for the NBA draft.
Serbian forward Lazar Stefanovic was a mainstay in his first season with the Bruins before ceding his starting role to transfer Kobe Johnson in his last season with the team.
Turkish forward Berke Buyuktuncel also played well in spurts in one season at UCLA before transferring to Nebraska. The Bruins had less success with guards Abramo Canka (Italy), Ilane Fibleuil (France) and Jan Vide (Slovenia), who each played sparingly in their one season with the team before departing.
Grinvalds joins an incoming class that also includes transfer forwards Filip Jovic and Sergej Macura as well as transfer guards Jaylen Petty and Azavier Robinson in addition to freshman forwards Javonte Floyd and Joe Philon.
UCLA will return center Xavier Booker as well as forwards Eric Dailey Jr. and Brandon Williams and guards Eric Freeny and Trent Perry.
UCLA is believed to be interested in adding at least one more player before next season.
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