LOS ANGELES — UCLA sophomore center Adem Bona is on the cusp of hearing his name called in this week’s NBA draft. Although Bona recorded a 40-inch vertical jump, number one among centers, he might have to wait until day two, as he is currently projected to be a second-round pick.
If the 2024 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year is selected, he would make it the third consecutive year a Bruin has been picked: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Amari Bailey and Jaylen Clark all went in 2023, and Peyton Watson was selected in 2022.
Bona averaged 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots per game this past season. The 21-year-old declared for the draft in April. He also declared for the draft after being named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2023, but he withdrew his name while rehabilitating his surgically repaired torn shoulder labrum and stayed for his sophomore season, becoming the Bruins’ go-to player.
The 6-foot-8 243-pound center, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and represents Turkey in international competition, is an intriguing prospect, with a nearly 7-4 wingspan.
Bona tied for the best standing vertical leap (35 inches) at the NBA Combine in May. He also registered a 40-inch max vertical leap, which ranked eighth overall (behind guards and forwards), providing metrics to quantify the athleticism he was known for in Westwood.
He brings rim protection via shot blocking and his strong frame allows him to hold his own defensively in the middle. Offensively, he can run the floor and is primarily known as a lob threat who energized the Bruins and their fans with ferocious dunks.
One area for improvement will be his ability to stay out of foul trouble, as he only averaged 26.5 minutes per game and fouled out of seven games this past season.
“I try to keep it simple, show my strengths,” Bona said after a recent workout with the Indiana Pacers. “Stay true to myself. My athleticism, my speed, to be able to communicate, to be able to commit to defense to complement the team.
“Obviously, when I work out with a bunch of different guys that I’ve never played with I think communication is key, just try to show teams that I can communicate defensively and offensively.”
The first round of the NBA draft begins on Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT on ABC (Ch. 7) and ESPN. The second round starts Thursday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.
“I like teams that share the ball and play fast…I feel like my style of play would fit the Pacers very well.”
Center Adem Bona spoke about how he feels he’d fit with the Blue & Gold, how @UCLAMBB head coach Mick Cronin helped build his character and what it would mean to hear… pic.twitter.com/elKDvywLqt
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 20, 2024
