The Grind Session has produced a wealth of basketball talent, with many alumni going on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. One such standout is Adem Bona, who is currently in his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers and today is his 22nd birthday.
Adem played two years of college basketball before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft, where he was selected by Philadelphia in the second round. His collegiate career at UCLA was highly decorated. As a freshman in 2023, Bona was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors. He followed up with an even stronger sophomore campaign, being named a first-team All-Pac-12 selection and the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Born Ikechukwu Stanley Okoro in Lagos, Nigeria, Bona was the youngest of five children. Initially a midfielder in association football, he transitioned to basketball due to his height. With limited access to proper equipment, he often played on makeshift courts, sometimes even without a basketball. His talent was quickly recognized when a video of him playing gained the attention of Turkish coach Türkay Çakıroğlu, who connected him with Istanbul Basketball coach Nevzat Özdemir. At just 13 years old, Bona moved to Turkey to pursue his basketball career, leaving his family behind. In February 2019, he joined Pınar Karşıyaka, continuing to develop at the youth level. After becoming a Turkish citizen in April 2018, he officially changed his name to Adem Bona, inspired by Adam in Islam.
Bona completed his high school career at Prolific Prep in Napa, California, where he played his final two years. He led the team to back-to-back appearances in the GEICO Nationals, showcasing his elite defensive skills and athleticism. During his time at Prolific Prep, Bona formed strong bonds with his teammates, including Mouhamed Gueye, now a center for the Atlanta Hawks, and Stefan Todorovic, currently a shooting guard at Pepperdine University. Despite Todorovic being from Serbia, the two shared a close friendship, with Bona appreciating the cultural similarities between Serbia and his home country of Nigeria. Coach Billy McKnight had this to say about Adem “Adem raises everyone’s level through his attitude and electric energy. He brings an intensity and joy to the gym every day that is infectious to his teammates and coaches. We’re so happy for Adem and the success he’s having in the NBA!”
As a sports photographer at Prolific Prep, I had the privilege of getting to know Adem personally. He became a close friend of my family, often sharing meals with us alongside Todorovic. Beyond his athletic prowess, Bona is an exceptional young man with strong character and a bright future ahead in the NBA and beyond. Philippe Doherty the director of operations at Prolific Prep had this to say about Adem Bona “Adem Bona is one of the most mature, caring, intelligent, selfless, well mannered, charismatic, and talented young men you will ever encounter on this earth. Adem was raised impeccably and his grace and humility as a human being coupled with his confidence and charisma combine to make a very special person. Adem is also top 1 percent in the world in regards to athleticism with his world class speed, incredible leaping ability, and explosiveness that is rarely seen in an athlete his size. We were so fortunate to have Adem in our Prolific Prep program for 2 years and his 2 years were memorable both as a team and individual. His impact on the Grind Session and on the national landscape with his incredible athleticism and talent were generational as he led his Prolific Prep team to 2 GEICO Nationals invites. There are very few Adem Bona type’s in this world if any, and we were fortunate he graced us with his presence at Prolific Prep.”
Adem Bona’s journey from Lagos to the NBA is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and talent. As he embarks on his professional career, he carries with him the experiences and relationships that have shaped him along the way. The Grind Session continues to serve as a launching pad for elite talent, and Bona is a prime example of the program’s impact on aspiring basketball stars.
