Nikolas Khamenia the Los Angeles native who just hit the transfer portal could be a UCLA target. He spent his freshman season in 2025 at Duke and provides tremendous upside. With three years of eligibility remaining, he fits the direction that UCLA has been trying to go through the transport portal. Players that offer them flexibility with multiple years of eligibility remaining. Such as commits Filip Jović and Sergej Macura. As well as their interest in guard Jaylen Petty from Texas Tech.
Khamenia is a large wing at 6’8 and moves on the floor very well. His one season at Duke being coached up cannot be understated as well. As that is one of the best colleges in the nation and builds players up. Khamenia averaged 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while playing 19.8 minutes per night. Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress has high praise for him and fully expects him to be a first round NBA Draft pick one day.
Nik Khamenia started the year as a projected first-round pick on my draft board, and I fully expect him to be back there. He's going to drive winning next year with his combination of connective passing, toughness, skill and improving shot-making. Turned 19 in late December. https://t.co/J1Y523nBPi
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 8, 2026
Khamenia could make the decision to come closer to home. He played at Harvard- Westlake School in Los Angeles. His father is also an assistant coach for Los Angeles Valley College. May be a little home cooking is what is needed to un tap the potential that he has. UCLA figures to be on the mix just for that reason and this would be a tremendous edition that has a high ceiling to give them.
Will California ties play a factor in Nik Khamenia's portal recruitment? 👀 Bro was a bucket back at Harvard-Westlake 🪣 pic.twitter.com/o5U5gxCnDl
— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) April 8, 2026
Khamenia was a McDonald’s All-American in 2025 and has U-18 experience for the USA national team. Averaging 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and three assists per game in the 2024 AmeriCup. This would by far be the best addition for UCLA if they can make this one happen. They currently have four open scholarship spots as they continue to scour through the transfer portal. Hopefully they can make this one happen!