Kentucky extends offer to 2022 five-star center Adem Bona

Kentucky has extended a scholarship offer to one of the top big men in the class of 2022.

According to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports, five-star center Adem Bona has received an offer from the UK coaching staff.

Kentucky has offered 2022 big man Adem Bona, per source.

— Joseph Tipton (@TiptonEdits) August 17, 2021

The 6-foot-10, 220-pound prospect out of Turkey is one of two center prospects in the senior class to earn an offer from Kentucky, joining five-star big man Dereck Lively II. UK has also extended offers to Shaedon Sharpe, Chris Livingston, Brandon Miller, Cason Wallace, Nick Smith, and Jaden Bradley, with Skyy Clark being the program’s lone commitment in the class of 2022.

Kentucky’s offer comes after Bona averaged 8.4 points (66.7% FG), 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.3 assists per contest representing Turkey at the 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. In two games at Peach Jam, he averaged 13.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks. He then averaged 7.5 points (70.4% FG), 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest to close out the summer at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Orlando.

“Kentucky, I’ve been in contact with them for a while,” Bona told KSR in July. “I have a great relationship with the coaches, the coaching staff, everyone. Looking back on Kentucky, they have a great history, send players to the pros and teach them winning ways. I’m all about that.”

UK basketball is known for its energy, a key aspect of the program Bona loves. The 6-foot-10 center says he brings similar energy to the table every time he steps on the floor.

“I play with great energy. I like the energy around them with the fans, the players, the coaches,” he said. “It’s been really great building a relationship with them, knowing the staff, and getting to know them over there. It’s been great.”

The five-star center tells KSR he will visit Kentucky the weekend of August 28.

In terms of what he’s looking for in a school, Bona wants to play where he feels at home.

“I’m mostly looking for schools where it feels like home because I’m far away from home,” Bona said. “I want to go somewhere where I can build a strong relationship with the coaching staff, the players and the environment. I want to feel comfortable where I’m going to play basketball.

“I’m looking for a school that can develop me and make me a better basketball player, a better person.”

Kentucky is considered the heavy favorite in Bona’s recruitment, with a decision expected sooner rather than later.

Come on down.