UCLA Adds SEC Forwards Jovic and Macura to Roster

Bruins bolster frontcourt with transfers from Auburn and Mississippi State

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the fragmented movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in bold colors representing the action on the court.The addition of two versatile forwards from the SEC gives UCLA's frontcourt a new look and more physicality as the Bruins aim to rebuild their roster.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA Bruins have added a pair of SEC transfers, Filip Jovic from Auburn and Sergej Macura from Mississippi State, to their men's basketball roster. Both players are underclassmen forwards who will provide size and rebounding help to a Bruins team that struggled on the boards last season.

Why it matters

UCLA is looking to reload its roster after graduating its top two players and seeing another starter enter the transfer portal. Adding Jovic and Macura, both experienced forwards from Power Five programs, gives the Bruins more depth and physicality in the frontcourt as they aim to bounce back from a down year.

The details

Jovic, a 6'8" freshman, helped Auburn win the NIT this past season, averaging 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 64% from the field. Macura, a 6'9" sophomore, put up 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in 28 games for Mississippi State. Neither player is considered a strong outside shooter, but they should provide an interior presence that UCLA lacked last year.

  • Jovic and Macura signed with UCLA on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • Jovic just completed his freshman season at Auburn, while Macura wrapped up his sophomore campaign at Mississippi State.

The players

Filip Jovic

A 6'8" freshman forward who played last season at Auburn, helping the Tigers win the NIT.

Sergej Macura

A 6'9" sophomore forward who spent the last two seasons at Mississippi State.

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team, who is working to rebuild the roster through the transfer portal.

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What they’re saying

“Cronin grabbed the Slovenian Macura and the Bosnian Jovic, giving next year's roster a more Eastern European feel to it.”

— Dylan McNeill, Author

What’s next

The Bruins still have more holes to fill on their roster, with the graduation of their top two players and the transfer of another starter. Cronin will continue to be active in the portal as he looks to rebuild UCLA into a contender.

The takeaway

By adding Jovic and Macura, two experienced forwards from the SEC, UCLA has taken an important step in bolstering its frontcourt and addressing a key weakness from last season. The Bruins still have work to do, but these transfers give them a solid foundation to build around as they look to bounce back in 2026-27.