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The 2024 NBA draft is roughly one month away and here at College Sports Wire we are evaluating the college basketball stars who are hoping to hear their name called in June. Today’s installment is on UCLA big man Adem Bona – who turned a lot of heads with his elite wingspan and jumping ability during the draft combine.
Bona not only showed well during the measurement and athletic testing portion of the combine, but he put that athleticism to work during the scrimmages – flying up and down the court, blocking shots, finishing around the rim, and showcasing why he has what it takes to be an impact player at the next level.
But, like with many big men in the modern era, his lack of outside shooting will limit his upside in the NBA. Bona took one three pointer in two seasons at UCLA, and he shot under 70% from the free throw line.
Still, Bona’s energy, elite athleticism, and defensive versatility should find him a home on draft night, potentially in the first round.
Below is a look at Bona’s profile, including his measurements at the combine, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and current projected draft range and team fits in the NBA:
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
From: Ebonyi, Nigeria
Played: UCLA (2022-2024)
2023-24 Stats: 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 59.1% on two pointers, 69.6% from the line
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6’9.5
Weight: 243 pounds
Wingspan: 7’3.75
Standing Reach: 9’0
Max Vertical Leap: 40 inches
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
- Insanely long arms and jumping ability should help his rim protection skills immediately translate to the next level
- He flies up and down the court, with sprint speeds and explosiveness like a guard rather than a center
- Speed and quickness allows him to beat defenders one-on-one when given the chance
- Switchable defender who can capably defend on the block and in space
- Lob threat thanks to jumping ability, and moves quickly to cut to the rim and finish through contact. A natural PnR rim running big in the modern NBA
- High energy big with a lot of enthusiasm and emotion
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
- While an outside shot could develop in time, right now he’s a non-factor offensively outside of 12-15 feet. Unlikely to ever be a three point shooter
- Sub-70% free throw shooter last season, and was under 60% as a freshman
- Will need to work on limiting fouls in order to stay on the court at the next level
- Twice as many turnovers as assists last year. Not much versatility on offense
- Shuffles his feet a lot and gets called for a lot of travels
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Draft Range: 25-40
CSW Mock: 30 to Boston Celtics
Team Fits: A lot of teams could use a backup center, although he fits best on a team that doesn’t mind his lack of outside shooting and rawness offensively. Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks all make sense.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nba-draft-profile-ucla-basketball-adem-bona/