UCLA Basketball: Familiar Face Eyeing Leadership Role On 2023-24 Bruins

As the UCLA Bruins enter the new season that starts soon, it's somewhat of a transition year. The team had many familiar players leave the program, and now they are entering the year with plenty of freshman players.

However, they still have one of their better players from last season, Adem Bona. It was a great freshman year for Bona, but now it's his turn to take the reins of this team. Bona shared how he feels about being a veteran with this club and how he wants to lead this season.

“Yeah, it’s a huge difference. We had guys like David Singleton, Tyger (Campbell), Jamie (Jaquez Jr.). These guys were the leader of the team, they have been there for a while, they know the in and outs. I feel like I’m so blessed to get to play with those guys and I learned a lot. I feel like I’m ready to carry the torch from them to pass it down to the young guys on the team right now.”

Per Adem Bona via Pac-12 Network

This is great to hear from Bona as the season gets going. He is entering the year as one of the more experienced members of this Bruins team, so they will be looking to him to lead the way.

Ready to carry the torch.

Adem Bona shares how he now views his role on the team as a veteran. pic.twitter.com/glZsFouXIY
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 11, 2023

A year ago, Bona averaged 7.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 67.5 percent from the field. His scoring averages will likely go up this season, and UCLA will need his leadership on the court.

The two-way star for the Bruins will have his work cut out for him this season, but he seems up to the challenge. Bona was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team last season and was also voted the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.

It should be another strong year for Bona, and NBA Draft scouts will certainly be watching to see how he progresses throughout the year.

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