UCLA not sure if injured Adem Bona ought to play in NCAA opener

To sit or to not sit, that continues to be the query going through Adam Bona.

Should UCLA’s freshman middle struggle by means of left-shoulder soreness to play within the Bruins’ NCAA event opener in opposition to large underdog North Carolina Asheville on Thursday on the Golden 1 Center or relaxation in hopes of being nearer to full energy in a harder matchup?

Bona’s degree of soreness and talent to contribute are the elements that can decide whether or not he performs in opposition to the Bulldogs, UCLA coach Mick Cronin stated Wednesday.

“He’s going to have to play through some soreness at some point if we’re still playing,” Cronin stated, including that Bona continued to progress in his restoration from the harm suffered in opposition to Oregon within the Pac-12 event. “But he would never be put in harm’s way for his career.”

Bona accomplished “some stuff” within the crew’s apply Wednesday, in accordance with Cronin, and took part within the casual session open to the general public. He largely relied on his proper hand within the latter apply, utilizing it for a hook shot within the lane throughout one drill by which the remainder of the crew’s large males completed across the rim with their left arms.

The second-seeded Bruins would possibly be capable to persevere with out their prime inside defender on condition that senior ahead Jaime Jaquez Jr. is predicted to attract the large defensive project in opposition to North Carolina Asheville’s Drew Pember, a 6-foot-11 energy ahead adept at each taking pictures three-pointers and drawing fouls.

Pember has made 37.3% of his three-pointers this season and leads all Division I gamers in free throws tried (314) and made (262).

“He’s going to be a point of emphasis on the defensive end for sure,” Jaquez stated. “I’m excited to take on that challenge.”