UCLA sophomore forward Adem Bona announced this week that he has declared for the 2024 NBA draft, likely ending a productive two-year run with the Bruins.
Bona was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals on 58.8% shooting from the field. He ranked second in blocks and third in field-goal percentage.
The 21-year-old improved upon a successful first year with the Bruins, in which he was voted the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. He was honored on the all-conference first team and, for the second time, was selected to the all-conference defensive team.
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕.”
UCLA’s 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐦 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐚 has declared for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐍𝐁𝐀 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭, he announced on his Instagram account.
📲💻: https://t.co/JDVGBsJhBT#GoBruins 🏀 pic.twitter.com/qy53flpq0T
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) April 12, 2024
Bona tested the pre-draft process last year and ultimately decided to return to school for another season. He is expected to remain in the draft this year and forgo his remaining college eligibility, according to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68.
The 6-foot-10 standout isn’t projected to be drafted but is considered one of the top defensive prospects this year. He looked to bounce back strongly after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery and was one of the top players in the conference.
Bona will have the opportunity to improve his draft positioning in team interviews and workouts over the pre-draft process. He could also be invited to compete in the G League Elite Camp or draft combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.
The 2024 NBA draft take place June 26-27 in New York City.
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