Big man Adem Bona has a message for Sixers fans after his selection

CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers were able to land a big man in the NBA draft in Round 2 on Thursday in the form of UCLA’s Adem Bona with the No. 41 overall pick. He won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024 and will look to make an impact with the Sixers.

He averaged 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks as a sophomore with the Bruins and will be looking to show off what he can bring to the table in Philadelphia. Bona could possibly make an impact soon after some development as a backup center to Joel Embiid.

The biggest skill Bona brings to the table is his motor. He works as hard as anybody out on the floor and he has a message for Sixers fans about what to expect out of him.

“The one thing about me, you’re always going to get all out effort from me,” he said succinctly. “Every time I step on the floor, I compete and give all the energy I can give. I give all the energy to the team and get to wherever I wanna get to. I think Philly’s getting one of the hardest workers in the draft.”

Defense and hard work is going to be Bona’s calling card. He is still a bit raw on the offensive end and that’s where the developmental side of things has to come through, but he projects to be a solid defensive player right away.

“Growing up, I played soccer,” he stated on his defensive ability. “I think that helped with my speed and my agility and my mobileness—the way I move on the floor. Also, playing at UCLA, I played behind the Defensive Player of the Year my freshman year in Jaylen Clark. I think that kind of opened my eyes to how much defense can make an impact in the game.”

Defense is just as important to the game of basketball. Bona can make an impact quickly on that end of the floor while his offensive game continues to expand and playing with some solid players in college has helped him prepare for this moment with the Sixers.

“After he (Clark) left for the league–and it meant a lot for me,” Bona finished. “Obviously, we play different positions, but just his alertness, how quick he is on his feet to go after balls, I think that kind of helped me focus and understand how much defense can impact a basketball game.”