UCLA freshman Adem Bona on Wednesday told Jonathan Givony of ESPN that will he declare for the 2023 NBA draft while retaining the right to return to school next season.
Bona, who was born in Nigeria, was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year after averaging 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks on 67.5% shooting from the field. He ranked second in the conference in field-goal percentage and fourth in blocks.
He was also recognized on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team.
The 6-foot-10 forward emerged as a tremendous defensive prospect with the Bruins. He was 14th in the country in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.0) and also earned a place on the Pac-12 All-Defensive team. He played with great energy on both ends of the court.
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Bona is considered a potential second-round pick this year.
However, he will not be able to participate in pre-draft workouts and other related activities after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum suffered in the conference tournament. He is expected to make a full recovery by October.
Bona will still have the opportunity to interview with teams and gain feedback on his potential draft stock. It is possible Bona will return to school to get fully healthy and improve his overall skills next season with the Bruins.
He will have until May 31 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.
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