Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Philadelphia 76ers rookie Adem Bona is preparing for his first NBA international trip as the team heads to Abu Dhabi for exhibition games against the New York Knicks.
The 21-year-old forward, among the youngest members on the Sixers roster, described the showcase as a chance to both grow personally and represent his team on the global stage.
“Obviously, this is my first international trip game outside of the United States with the NBA,” Bona said. “I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi before, so this is a great experience for me to see the way of life there.
“It’s also an opportunity for us [at 76ers] to gain new fans. It means a lot to players like us to be able to carry the NBA logo to Abu Dhabi and also wear the 76ers logo on our chest. I think that’s a huge responsibility to do that.
“It’s really important for us to be out there to share our culture with the people of Abu Dhabi and they share their culture with us.”
On a personal level, as a rookie member of the squad, Bona has been learning on the job, too. Bona, who was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year during his college career at UCLA, acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to the NBA level.
And despite his leap onto the big stage, he takes time out to hit the gym late at night, something that fans are admiring. “The biggest challenge is the physical aspect,” he tells Aletihad.
“There are guys who have been in the league for years, who are much stronger than me. Adapting to that physicality is something I’m working on every day.”
The Nigerian-born, Turkish international has also gained valuable experience at EuroBasket, where he helped Turkiye to a silver medal earlier this year. He sees competition as a foundation for his NBA career.
“Every game there was high-stakes, almost like a knockout,” he said. “That prepares your mindset. So when I play in high-stakes games in the NBA, I feel like I’ve been there before.”
Bona credits veterans in the Sixers’ squad for helping him adjust to life in the league. “Guys like Kyle Lowry, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George have been passing down their wisdom,” he said. “The best advice I’ve received is to just be yourself, play to your strengths, and the rest will handle itself.”
Away from the court, he emphasises the importance of balance and mental well-being. “As much as we protect our physical health, we should also protect our mental health,” he said. “For me, staying connected with family and friends, reading, listening to music, and staying grounded in my faith are really important.”
Bona also reflected on the emotional moment of hearing his name called in the NBA Draft. “It felt like the longest moment of my life,” he recalled.
“It reminded me of my family, my coaches, everyone who sacrificed for me to be there. It felt like the end of one chapter, but also the beginning of another, because now you have to prove yourself in the NBA.”
Known for his strong work ethic, Bona says he strives to be “the hardest worker on the court every single day”. He believes consistency and readiness are essential for success.
“Your greatest ability should be your availability,” he said. “Whenever you’re needed, you show up. Growth never stops – the more work you put in, the better you get.”
As he looks ahead to the Abu Dhabi games, Bona views the showcase as more than just basketball. “It’s a huge responsibility to carry the NBA and the 76ers logo to Abu Dhabi,” he said. “It’s important for us to share our culture with the people there and learn from theirs. I’m really excited to see how we can impact the community.”
