UCLA men’s basketball adds Latvian forward Gunars Grinvalds

Some help on the wing has arrived for the UCLA men’s basketball team.

Gunars Grinvalds, a 6-foot-7 forward from Latvia who has played for Real Madrid of the EuroLeague, on Friday announced his commitment to the Bruins on Instagram.

Combining good size with an excellent shooting stroke and playmaking abilities, Grinvalds could contend for immediate playing time at a position of need. But at just 18 years old, he’ll have to show he’s ready for the challenge by beating out more veteran teammates.

Gunars Grinvalds, a 6-foot-7 forward from Latvia, announced his commitment to UCLA. Euroleague Basketball via Getty

UCLA has brought in a handful of European players previously, with mixed results.

Spanish center Aday Mara showed significant promise by the end of his second season with the Bruins before transferring to Michigan, where he won a national championship while developing into a projected lottery pick in 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 (left) has played for Real Madrid of the EuroLeague. Euroleague Basketball via Getty

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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