Five-star Adem Bona discusses his commitment to UCLA

Five-star big man Adem Bona’s basketball journey has already taken him from his home in Nigeria, to Turkey and to Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep. On Monday, he announced where his next step will take him.

“I’ve decided that I will be attending UCLA next year,” Bona told 247Sports. “This was a really difficult decision and I had to choose between two great schools in UCLA and Kentucky. They are two of the greatest schools in college history with great coaches and great programs. It came down to where I felt like I could get more opportunity to get to the next level and where I could get better.

“It was very tough for me picking one school over the other, so I just had to make the tough choice.”

A big-time athlete with pro level strength and athleticism, 247Sports currently ranks Bona No. 10 nationally in the class of 2022. He is perhaps the best shot blocker in the class, rebounds at a high level and is a powerful finisher around the rim. He says that UCLA will be a good fit for him.

“I’ve spoken with Mick Cronin, I’ve watched them practice and I feel like I fit in with the system very well,” said Bona. “The way they play, they play a lot of moving basketball, they move a lot, and they use their bigs high and low and use them in multiple positions. I feel like that is going to be a good fit for me.”

While Bona always wanted to make his way to the United States, he never imagined things would turn out the way they have and the level at which he would be playing.

“I’ve always wanted to come to the States when I was young, but I didn’t think I would be playing basketball,” said Bona. But I started growing, got a lot bigger and started playing basketball but I never thought I would be going to one of the top programs in basketball history. I’m so glad that I’m fortunate enough to be going to one of the top schools.”

“It is huge for me and my family. It has been a tough road, but my family has been there for me the entire time. My mom, my brothers, my sisters have come a long way helping me, supporting me, enabling me in every way. It is a big decision for me and my family.”

Bona’s coach at Prolific Prep, Billy McKnight, feels the Bruins are getting a game changer with potential to play at the highest level.

“His motor and athleticism are elite,” said Bona. “He’s a game changer. He’s a player that will no doubt elevate the culture, work ethic, and level of play in any program. He’s a cornerstone and just a really special player and person.

“We are so proud of Adem and the strides he’s made here and can’t wait to witness him living out his dream as a college and professional player.”

The third member of UCLA’s recruiting class, Bona joins fellow five-star Amari Bailey and top 35 guard Dylan Andrews. His addition elevates UCLA to No. 9 in the 2022 team rankings and Bona says UCLA fans can expect an outgoing guy who will fight to the end.

“I’m funny dude, I think I’m a funny guy and I love soccer and I love dancing. You are going to see me a lot at the soccer games, that’s where you are going to catch me,” said Bona. “(UCLA fans) should expect a…