The Bruins’ freshman big man shouted out the student section and band as big reasons why he enjoys playing Pauley Pavilion.
UCLA men’s basketball center Adem Bona spoke with the media ahead of Tuesday morning’s practice session at the Mo Ostin Basketball Center. Bona talked about his connection with the fans at Pauley Pavilion, his favorite parts of playing at home and what he expects out of Stanford on Thursday night.
Longest home win streak, favorite part of playing in Pauley?
Definitely the fans. They bring a lot of energy, a lot of support, a lot of love and I appreciate them for being there every single game. It’s fun playing at home, you come at home you’re hyped, you’re excited. Excited to kick ass, too, so it’s always fun playing at home.
Getting excited for roll call/connection with the fans?
Yeah, yeah, I love the band, I love the roll call, I like when they’re doing their thing, gets me excited a little bit too. It’s kind of amazing. I’ve never been in that kind of situation where the fans know all about you, more about you and less about the game. Where they’re more there for the game but they’re excited to see you. You come in and see a smile on everyone’s face, excited to see you. I think that’s fun and that’s something to look forward to everytime you play in Pauley.
Gives you energy for game?
Yeah it gives me energy, I’m very excited to come into the game. Not worrying about entertaining, just ready to go hard every time for the fans and for the team.
Stanford big win, different from last time, expectations?
They’re a very good team. They’ve gotten better through the times, we’ve gotten better through the times too. We expect them to be ready and I feel like they should expect us to be ready too because we’re going to go all out, especially since it’s in Pauley too. It’s going to be a fun game.
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