The 2024-25 NBA season tipped off with several Grind Session alumni making their debuts, showcasing the talent pipeline from this elite high school basketball circuit to the professional ranks.
Yves Missi, the 1st-round selection of the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2024 NBA Draft, had an impressive performance in his debut. The 6’11” forward, who played one season at Baylor University after starring at Prolific Prep in the Grind Session, contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal, and 1 assist. Missi’s two-way impact helped the Pelicans secure a 123-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls, making him an exciting player to watch this season.
Adem Bona, selected in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers, also made his NBA debut, though in a quieter fashion. In the 76ers’ 124-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Bona, a former UCLA standout and two-year player at Prolific Prep, scored 2 points and grabbed 1 rebound in limited minutes. Bona’s defensive abilities, honed in the Grind Session and at UCLA, remain a key part of his development as he transitions to the NBA.
Rob Dillingham of the Minnesota Timberwolves, another highly touted Grind Session alum, did not see any action in the team’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Dillingham, known for his elite ball-handling and scoring ability from his time at the Donda Academy and later at Kentucky, will be looking for his opportunity to make an impact as the season progresses.
DaRon Holmes II, a first-round pick of the Denver Nuggets, is set to make his debut tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Holmes, a versatile forward, played at the University of Dayton after competing in the Grind Session, where his athleticism and shot-blocking ability earned him national recognition.
AJ Johnson, a first-round selection by the Milwaukee Bucks, did not play in their season-opening victory over the 76ers. Johnson’s electric playmaking and scoring, showcased both at SoCal Academy and in his NBL season, make him a key player for the future of the Bucks.
As these rookies settle into their NBA careers, their paths from the Grind Session to the NBA continue to demonstrate the circuit’s ability to produce high-level talent. Fans can expect to see more from these young players as they develop and carve out their roles in the league.