Basketball standout Adem Bona is on a mission for Prolific Prep
NAPA, Calif. — Adem Bona, the 19th best player in the country according to 247sports, is a man on a mission for Napa, California’s Prolific Prep. This is a far jump from his humble beginnings when he started playing basketball just over four years prior. Once he was introduced to the game, he quickly caught the attention of basketball minds and moved to Turkey with the purpose of properly learning the game. There is much emphasis on his current development, considering this season will be his second in the US, and first as a premier option for Prolific Prep.
“Last year we had some great talent on the front line and we still had really good talent coming off the bench and that was good for me because it was my first year in the States,” Bona told 247Sports at the 2021 Border League. “I was adapting to the style of play and it gave me time to kind of rest and catch my breath. Now I know the style of play so I’m already in the game.”
With the new season around the corner, the fifth ranked center for the Class of 2022 is split between UCLA and University of Kentucky for his pending commitment. For the better part of the year, the expectation was that Kentucky was the clear leader for his services, but UCLA made an impression on Adem earlier this month during his official visit, and all of the cards are on the table. With two blue bloods in his corner, there will be a watchful eye on his development and upcoming decision.
Following Adem’s visit with UCLA, 247Sports’ national recruiting director Eric Bossi shared the following, “One of the most physically impressive players in the country, Bona is now playing his second year at Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep and after being part of a loaded frontcourt last season, he’s now the man in the middle…For Bona, style of play is simple and it is all about trying to tear the rim down at every chance, cleaning the glass, blocking shots and intimidating in the paint.”
Based on Bossi’s analysis, either university will be delighted to have a player like Bona. Hustling for rebounds and showing dedication on defense will never go out of style. Adem continues to understand the importance of opportunity and this was represented perfectly during his interview with Pro Insight, where he offered advice to future international prospects.
“One thing I would say to them is that playing in the United States is going to be one of the best things to ever happen to them. Before I came here I was discouraged by so many people. Everyone was like, ‘if you go to the States, there’s going to be so many guys just like you. Athletic as you, fast as you, strong as you, built like you…’ but I don’t think that’s true.” Bona continued, “Every human being has unique stuff in them. There’s probably someone as fast as me or as strong as me, but there’s no one that has all of the qualities that I have. Everyone is built differently. So don’t think that there’s someone just like you. You can come here, build your game, and learn the game at the highest level. I know the United States has the highest level of basketball in the world. So if you have the opportunity to play basketball at the highest level of the world then you should do it and don’t think about it twice.”
Based on Adem’s advice and speedy development, it’s clear that he has the ability to quickly learn and adapt his game. In a few days the basketball world will be able to see where Adem Bona stands as a prospect – and we’ll be one step closer to learning about his future commitment.
Will it be UCLA or Kentucky? Time will tell, but for now, it’s Prolific Prep.
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