Overview
Bona started in all but one of his 66 appearances for UCLA during his two-year career with the Bruins. While he was a highly productive player for the Bruins, his game took a massive jump between his freshman and sophomore seasons, particularly on the offensive end of the court. He averaged 7.7 points and 5.3 rebounds across 22.9 minutes per game in his first year with the program, but those numbers bumped to 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.8 blocks across 26.5 minutes per game as a sophomore. However, Bona saw a drastic decrease in efficiency, as he shot 67.5% from the field as a freshman but “only” 58.8% in his second. Bona was named the 2022-23 Pac-12 Rookie of the Year, and he was also named to the 2023-24 All-Pac-12 First Team. Bona also got recognized as the 2023-24 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Analysis
Bona is an explosive and quick player on both ends of the court. That works in his favor on the offensive side of the ball as he can stretch the floor and drive to the rim despite being a non-factor as an outside shooter. He’s also one of the most efficient rim finishers in the country, and that’ll likely be his bread and butter at the next level, especially if the shooting doesn’t improve. He’s also a better passer than he’s given credit for. Bona is a bit undersized to play power forward at the next level, but he compensates for his lack of length with his explosiveness and mobility. Bona shouldn’t have issues handling the physicality of playing against tougher or taller opponents. Other areas of improvement are his tendency to commit fouls and lack of activity on the glass, two areas in which he needs to work to improve his NBA profile as a non-shooting big man.
Projection
Bona is ready to make an impact at the NBA level with his defensive ability as he has the explosiveness, bulk and mobility to be a competent defender even if he’s not the best rebounder and if he fails to read coverages properly at times. His offensive game still needs work, but Bona can be effective as a backup big man in his rookie year at the next level. His work on his offensive game will ultimately determine if he can be an NBA-caliber starting big man, but the potential and physical traits are there.
— Profile by RotoWire