UCLA Basketball: Intriguing Transfer Portal Options For Bruins If Adem Bona Departs

Alex Kirschenbaum | Apr 10, 2024

Mar 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Adem Bona (3) reacts. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024-25 UCLA Bruins could look very different from the 2023-24 vintage.

UCLA has already added former two-time Pac-12 All-Defensive Teamer Kobe Johnson from its crosstown rivals, the USC Trojans, plus former Louisville guard Skyy Clark. The team is losing highly-regarded freshmen Ilan Fibleuil and combo guard Jan Vide, plus redshirt sophomore guard Will McClendon.

But Mick Cronin, after his first losing season for the Blue and Gold (16-17), could be hoping to add some major pieces via the NCAA's transfer portal. If the team's best player, sophomore power forward/center Adem Bona, opts to declare for the draft, Tracy Pierson of Bruin Report Online unpacked some of the club's top options through the transfer route.

Pierson suggests that Bona appears to be leaning in the direction of going pro. Pierson notes that Cronin and his staff appear set to move forward as if Bona will depart.

Per Pierson, UCLA appears to be on track to add both Loyola Marymount swingman Dominick Harris and Oklahoma State power forward Eric Dailey to its roster, while working to add Oregon State power forward Tyler Bilodeau.

The Bruins need a fresh injection of shooting. The team had one of the better defenses in the country last season, but its offense was only fitfully present. The shooting, especially, is an issue, but the team could use a playmaking upgrade, too.