In Reply to: Cronin has now shown he can bring in a highly desirable recruit. posted by ej on July 09, 2026 at 15:08:09
I fully expect him to let NK play.
Kusturica has a ton to learn. He need to improve just about every aspect of his game including shooting form, shot selection, boxing out, and team defense.
However, all indications are he is a hard worker, a good teammate, and used to being coached hard.
I am sure he will get benched a few times, but not for long periods.
I think Cronin gets a bad rap because of Peyton Watson, but Watson should have been benched. He was terrible when he was in the game. Perhaps it was because he didn't play his senior year of high school because of COVID.
Whatever the reason, he shot 33% / 23% / 69% at UCLA. He didn't deserve to play big minutes. Peyton Watson didn't get mis-handled by Cronin. He got the PT that he earned.
Cronin can be too rigid. Aday Mara should have been defending near the basket, not out at the three-point line, trying to hedge. But Conin will let NK play. and he will teach Nikola A LOT.