Former UCLA Bruins All-Pac-12 power forward/center Adem Bona was originally expected to be a top second-round pick in this summer's 2024 NBA Draft, but was drafted by Luke Akinsola last week in Chicago. Ranked among the top eight at the NBA Draft Combine extravaganza by NBA.com.
“One of Chicago's most athletic prospects, Bona's athleticism and imposing physique were outstanding,” Akinsola wrote. “The 21-year-old Nigerian manned dunker can finish effectively at the rim and protect the basket on defense.”
The 6-foot-10-inch big man had some really interesting measurements. Bona recorded a vertical distance of 40 inches, a wingspan of 7 feet 4 inches and a standing reach of 9 feet.
Despite the team's minimal overall success in the 2023-24 season (UCLA went 16-17), Bona was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pac-12 First Teamer last year. was selected. He was also named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team twice. In his sophomore season, Bona averaged 12.4 points per night, shooting 58.8 percent from the floor, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Creighton guard Baylor Thieleman, Megabasket shooting guard/small forward Nikola Juricic, second-team All-Big Ten Illinois power forward Coleman Hawkins, USC guard Boogie Ellis, Colorado guard K.J. Simpson, Marquette Golden Eagles forward Oso Ighodalo and Houston guard Jamal Shihed Akinsola were the other standout prospects.
UCLA: Former Bruin Jaime Jaquez made NBA All-Rookie Team
