Adem Bona, 2022 five-star, commits to UCLA

Adem Bona, a 6-foot-9 center out of Lagos (Nigeria) Prolific Prep has committed to UCLA basketball for the class of 2022, a source close to Bona told On3.

Bona joins five-star Amari Bailey and four-star Dylan Andrews. UCLA has now established itself with a top-10 recruiting class.

Bona ultimately chose the Bruins over Kentucky. He also received offers from Kansas, USC, Miami, Arizona State, Baylor, the NBL, amongst others.

Until Bona signs, the biggest threat to UCLA would be the NBL/pro route. In August, Bona told On3: “Right now, college is my no. 1 priority, but I’m still open to other options.” This rang true today as Bona commits to the Bruins, but if I’m a UCLA fan, I’m not letting my guard down until he signs his Letter of Intent.

According to a source close to Bona, he will “probably not” sign during the early signing period which starts on Nov. 10 and ends on Nov. 17.

Bona on UCLA

Adem Bona spoke on the Bruins in a previous interview with On3.

“With UCLA, the coach has been great with what he does with his players and the team,” Bona said. “I feel like I can fit well in their style of play, with the way they use their bigs. It’s close to home too.”

The decision was a difficult one

According to a source close to Bona, the decision was not an easy one to make. Bona wrestled back and forth between Kentucky and UCLA but ultimately decided on the Bruins on Sunday. According to the same source, if Bona was forced to decide three weeks ago, the decision might’ve not been the same.

If we flashback to late August, Bona seemed to be a sure-fire lock to Kentucky and it appeared as though Bona was set to commit to the Wildcats.

There was only one problem… Dereck Lively II, the nation’s top big man, was also heavily considering the Wildcats. It was no secret that Kentucky preferred Lively over Bona. So Bona waits and Lively ends up committing to Duke. Thus, UK goes all-in on Bona.

If I had to guess and use context clues here… Bona felt more prioritized at UCLA and I believe that was one of the biggest factors in the decision.

Scouting Report on Bona

On3’s Senior National Recruiting Analyst Gerry Hamilton had this to say about Adem Bona:

“Absolutely the best in the 2022 class of bigs running the floor. Will win foot races up and down the floor. A high-level rebounder that shows the reactive quickness and hands to rebound outside his area. Plays well above the rim on both ends. High-level rim protector. Will attack off the bounce offensively. Needs to develop a go-to move and more consistency in the mid-range. Future NBA player.”