UCLA Basketball: Adem Bona Details Biggest Impact Mick Cronin Has Had on Him

The sophomore big man has been significantly impacted by his head coach.

The transformation of the UCLA Bruins from the beginning of the season until now is like night and day.

A key catalyst behind their resurgence is sophomore big man Adem Bona, whose stellar performance on both ends of the court has been instrumental to the team's success. Head coach Mick Cronin deserves considerable credit for molding Bona into the player he is today.

In a recent media interview, Bona expressed the profound impact Cronin has had on him, both on and off the court.

“I think his biggest impact, you know, I would say there’s a lot. I would say the confidence the step I took from last year to this year. To be able to carry the team, to be able to hold myself accountable for my actions and also my teammates. There’s a lot I learned from him not just basketball stuff but real life stuff.” 

-Adem Bona, via UCLA

Throughout two seasons together, their journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Bona's development from his freshman to sophomore year is evident in the numbers, with improvements across the board in nearly every statistical category. 

While his field goal percentage may not have seen a significant uptick, it's worth noting that his increased volume of shots likely contributed to this.

Despite Cronin's reputation for intensity and passion on the sidelines, his genuine concern and care for his players shine through.

Bona is just one example of the many athletes whom Cronin has positively influenced throughout his coaching career. Under Cronin's guidance, Bona has elevated his game and grown as a person, a testament to the transformative power of a strong mentorship.