Sports

How New NCAA International Guidelines Could Affect UCLA's Grinvalds

By Justin Backer Sports Illustrated

The UCLA Bruins have landed an international star this week, signing Gunars Grinvalds to the program.

Born in Latvia, Grinvalds played for Real Madrid in Spain's top league last season. He helped Real Madrid win the Liga U Championship as an 18-year-old last season, and he stands 6-foot-7, giving the Bruins some depth on the wings.

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin yells at his team in the game against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin yells at his team in the game against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

The Bruins as a team are looking to bounce back from an inconsistent season in 2025-26. They made the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but it wasn't without any unnecessary distractions or underwhelming performances from some of their most highly-touted players. With Grinvalds joining the fold, UCLA has a deep, talented roster headed into next season that should be considered one of the top 25 teams in the country.



This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/ucla as How New NCAA International Guidelines Could Affect UCLA's Grinvalds.

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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM.

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