UCLA’s Adem Bona declares for NBA draft

LOS ANGELES — UCLA sophomore Adem Bona has declared for the NBA draft, according to an announcement on his Instagram account Friday.

The 6-foot-10 forward/center, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and attended Prolific Prep in Northern California before enrolling at UCLA, averaged 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks as a sophomore. Last season’s Pac-12 Freshman of the Year earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors this season and was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Bona, 21, is currently projected as a second-round pick in the latest mock draft on NBA.com.

He withdrew his name from last season’s NBA draft pool and stayed for his sophomore season while rehabilitating his surgically repaired torn shoulder labrum. Bona suffered the injury in the Pac-12 Tournament, which limited his effectiveness in the NCAA Tournament and prevented him from participating in pre-draft workouts.

In two seasons with the Bruins, he averaged 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, while starting 65 of 66 games and anchoring the team’s defense.

“I want to start out by thanking Coach Cronin, every single member of our coaching staff, and my teammates for making this possible,” Bona said in his Instagram announcement with the caption “Next step”. “You all made me a better basketball player and a better man, and for that I’m forever grateful.

“Also, a huge thank you to Bruin Nation – you’ve been by my side this entire ride. The fans, my professors, and the staff in Pauley, Thank You! Thanks to the Den for showing up to Pauley and tirelessly supporting me and my teammates during every single game! These past 2 years have flown by. Basketball has given me such an amazing opportunity to make memories with people I will cherish forever. But this is only the beginning. I’m so excited to see where this game is going to take me next. And with that being said, I would like to announce that I will be entering my name into the 2024 NBA Draft.”

In 66 games, Bona recorded 115 blocks, which ranks sixth on UCLA’s career blocks list. He also had six double-doubles, including five this past season.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin has been steadfast in his belief that Bona was his team’s best player. The Bruins, who finished 16-17 overall, have already added guard Skyy Clark (Louisville) and Kobe Johnson (USC) from the transfer portal. However, with Bona’s departure, they could look to add an interior presence.

“Adem has been tremendous to coach over the past two seasons,” Cronin said in a written statement. “We are so thankful for his unselfish time as a Bruin. He’s a humble young man with a big heart, and he has been a fantastic teammate.

“Adem is going to be an unbelievable player as he continues to get reps and keeps working on his game. We believe that he’s just scratching the surface, in terms of his potential and his ability to really thrive on the court. He has worked very hard in our program and has made significant strides on both ends of the court. We love Adem and we will always be here to support him in his basketball journey.”