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 in the NBA. He gained prominence playing college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. In high school, he earned the distinction of being a McDonald's All-American. During his time at UCLA, he was recognized for his defensive prowess, earning a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and being named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2023. In 2024, he continued to excel, receiving first-team All-Pac-12 honors and being voted the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year before being 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 October 30, 2019, Adem Bona made his professional debut for Pınar Karşıyaka, playing one minute in a 77–57 win over Donar in the FIBA Europe Cup.

September 2020: Joins Prolific Prep

On September 18, 2020, Adem Bona joined Prolific Prep in Napa, California, to continue his career.

November 2021: Commitment to UCLA

On November 1, 2021, Adem Bona committed to playing college basketball for UCLA, choosing them over an offer from Kentucky.

2022: Freshman Season at UCLA

In 2022, Adem Bona started his freshman season at the University of California, Los Angeles, facing initial challenges with foul trouble and dropped passes.

2023: NCAA Tournament and NBA Draft Declaration

In 2023, Adem Bona participated in the NCAA tournament, where he reaggravated a shoulder injury. He later declared for the 2023 NBA draft, while retaining his college eligibility, but withdrew after surgery for a torn labrum.

2023: Pac-12 Honors and NBA Draft

In 2023, Adem Bona was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and voted the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.

2023: Improved Offensive Game and Season Opener

In 2023, Adem Bona worked on his offensive game while recovering from injury. In the 2023-24 season opener, he achieved career-highs with 28 points and four blocks in a win over Saint Francis.

July 2024: NBA Draft Selection

In July 2024, Adem Bona was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft with the 41st overall pick.

October 23, 2024: NBA Debut

On October 23, 2024, Adem Bona made his NBA debut in a 124-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Throughout his rookie season, Bona has been assigned several times to the Delaware Blue Coats.

2024: Pac-12 Player of the Year and NBA Draft Selection

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