UCLA's Head Coach Views Adem Bona as Clear-Cut 1st-Round Draft Pick

Big praise for the big man.

Returning to the Bruins lineup after some decent NBA draft hype, UCLA forward Adem Bona is looking to make his sophomore season one to remember. 

When asked about his star player's return and post-Bruin career, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin had high praise to lay on his best returning player. 

What they need to do and what's reality are going to be two different things. Adem's going to be a first round pick. He's just got to stay healthy. 

via Bruin Report Online

Health will be a key factor for the returning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2023 as a shoulder injury suffered during the conference tournament prevented the Nigerian-Turkish big man from playing his best in March. 

Hampered by the lingering issue, Bona underwent a surgical procedure and is still recovering from the healing process. 

He and two of his fellow teammates with European roots have been excused from the Bruins upcoming trip overseas for their exhibition matches for various reasons, but Bona wants to contribute when the games start counting. 

Finishing on the all-conference defensive team, the Bruins sorely missed their best defender against Gonzaga in the tournament last year as Drew Timme dominated his matchup despite a valiant effort from Kevin Nwuba to slow him down. 

Hoping to be healthy this year, the Bruins welcome back one of college basketball's best two way players sure to make an impact on the AP polls all season long. 

On a roster with much less continuity than in years prior, Cronin's group this year consists of many young pieces and a ton of inexperience compared to his previous groups from 2021 to last season. 

Bona's imminent return from his ailment will be a welcome sight not just for Cronin and Bruins fans, but NBA scouts eager to draft his services onto their own pro rosters.