Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Adem Bona

Discover the career path of Adem Bona, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Adem Bona is a Nigerian-Turkish professional basketball player currently with the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA. He previously played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. A McDonald's All-American in high school, Bona earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors and was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in 2023. In 2024, he was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection and the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Bona was drafted by the 76ers in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 2019: Move to Pınar Karşıyaka

In February 2019, Adem Bona moved to Pınar Karşıyaka and continued competing at the youth level.

October 2019: Professional Debut

On 30 October 2019, Adem Bona made his professional debut for Pınar Karşıyaka in a FIBA Europe Cup game.

September 2020: Career at Prolific Prep

In September 2020, Adem Bona continued his career at Prolific Prep in Napa, California.

November 2021: College Commitment

On 1 November 2021, Adem Bona committed to playing college basketball for UCLA.

2022: Freshman Season at UCLA

In 2022, Adem Bona began his freshman year at UCLA, facing initial challenges before improving.

2022: Top Recruit

In 2022, Adem Bona was considered a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in his class.

2023: Continued Improvement and Accolades

In 2023, Adem Bona continued to improve his game while recovering from injury. He was named to the All-Pac-12 first team and voted the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

2023: Awards and NBA Draft Declaration

In 2023, Adem Bona received several honors, including being named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive and Pac-12 All-Freshman teams, and being voted the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. He also declared for the 2023 NBA draft before withdrawing.

2023: Pac-12 Accolades

In 2023, Adem Bona was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and voted the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year while playing college basketball for the UCLA Bruins.

July 2024: NBA Draft Selection

In July 2024, Adem Bona was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the NBA draft.

October 23, 2024: NBA Debut

On October 23, 2024, Adem Bona made his NBA debut in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

2024: NBA Draft and Pac-12 Honors

In 2024, Adem Bona was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the NBA draft. Also in 2024, he was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection and voted the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.