# GROWING PAINS: UCLA's Nikola Kusturica STRUGGLES Defensively, Joe Philon EMERGING

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-ucla-daily-podcast-on-ucla-bruins-344725/growing-pains-ucla-s-nikola-kusturica-struggles-defensively-joe-philon-emerging
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-ucla-daily-podcast-on-ucla-bruins-344725/growing-pains-ucla-s-nikola-kusturica-struggles-defensively-joe-philon-emerging.md
Podcast: [Locked On UCLA - Daily Podcast On UCLA Bruins](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-ucla-daily-podcast-on-ucla-bruins-344725)
Published: 2026-08-28T18:05:44+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-ucla/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/cfba5d/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/276c1669-af9d-440f-9fa1-c61a10d129b7/episodes/9d9ec044-5032-47e1-8b24-f02be331bae2/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=276c1669-af9d-440f-9fa1-c61a10d129b7&awEpisodeId=9d9ec044-5032-47e1-8b24-f02be331bae2&feed=o8n0xXOf
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Duration seconds: 2454

## Resource

UCLA Bruins fans get an early look at Nikola Kusturica’s highly anticipated debut, but growing pains and lineup questions remain. Can JoJo Philon’s athleticism and Jaylen Petty’s sharpshooting boost Mick Cronin’s squad in a pivotal year for UCLA basketball? Insights reveal key weaknesses at the 3, the developmental potential of Gunars Grinvalds, and why the Perry-Petty guard combo could be a game-changer in the Pac-12. On the gridiron, linebacker Trent Hendrick’s arrival from JMU transforms UCLA’s defense, pairing him with Oklahoma Football transfer Sammy Omosigho to shore up the run game just in time for a critical Week 1 clash with Cal. The conversation explores how veteran leadership in the linebacker room might earn the Bruins crucial wins, why the Cal matchup is a must-win, and what Hendrick’s eligibility battle means for UCLA’s Big Ten campaign. Will these upgrades turn the Bruins into contenders on both courts and fields? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOUCLA?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege FOLLOW THE SHOW: Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10. . Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. LARINECO Give Larine a try. Right now, Larine Co is offering our listeners up to 50% off at https://BUYLARINE.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And…

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