Adem Bona’s parents, though facing loss and immense challenges, laid the foundation for his remarkable journey, with his father’s legacy and his mother’s unwavering strength guiding him every step of the way.
Adem Bona Okoro has emerged as one of the most promising young centers in the NBA since joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
Born Ikechukwu Stanley Okoro on March 28, 2003, in Lagos, Nigeria, Bona’s basketball journey represents a remarkable story of perseverance and athletic excellence.
The 6-foot-10 center played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, where he established himself as a dominant defensive force.
During his time at UCLA, Bona earned numerous accolades, including being named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2023 and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
He also received first-team All-Pac-12 honors and was selected to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team.
Before college, Bona was recognized as a McDonald’s All-American in high school, showcasing his elite talent.
The Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.
Since making his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, against the Milwaukee Bucks, Bona has shown flashes of brilliance, including a career-high 28-point performance on April 3, 2025.
Throughout his rookie season, he has split time between the 76ers and their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, continuing his development as a professional player.
Adem Bona’s Parents Were The Foundation of His Success
Adem Bona’s father, Chikaodiri Okoro, passed away before Adem was born, yet his legacy profoundly shaped his youngest son’s life.
Known by the powerful nickname “The Big Elephant” or “The Elephant,” Chikaodiri earned this moniker due to his imposing physical presence and masculinity.
Standing approximately 6-foot-10, he possessed the extraordinary height that Adem would inherit—a genetic gift that would ultimately propel his son toward basketball stardom.
Chikaodiri operated a store in Lagos, Nigeria, where he sold foodstuffs and traded goods to support his family.
Both he and his wife grew up in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, before settling in Lagos.
Though Adem never had the opportunity to meet his father, the physical attributes and presence he inherited became the foundation for his basketball career.
Adem often reflects on this inheritance, acknowledging that his remarkable height comes directly from the father he never knew.
Udu Chinyere, who adopted the Turkish name “Cigdem” after moving to Turkey with Adem, stands as the central figure in Adem’s remarkable journey.
Standing between 5-foot-9 and 6 feet tall, she became a widow before her youngest child was born, taking on the monumental task of raising five children alone.
After Chikaodiri’s death, Udu took over the family store in Lagos, selling foodstuffs and trading goods to support her children.
Her strength and determination kept the family together through difficult circumstances.
When Adem describes himself, he consistently points to his mother as his inspiration, saying, “I’m a copy of my mom,” particularly referencing her joyful spirit and positive energy.
The pivotal moment in Adem’s basketball journey came when a local basketball player spotted the 13-year-old towering over a car while using the roadside as a restroom near his mother’s store.
The player approached Udu at her shop, asking permission to train her unusually tall son in basketball.
Initially skeptical—as basketball wasn’t taken seriously in Nigeria at the time—she asked how much she would have to pay.
When told the training would be free, she remained hesitant, worried about ulterior motives.
However, Adem’s two older brothers recognized their sibling’s exceptional height and potential.
They pleaded with their mother to allow Adem to try basketball and even paid for his first training sessions out of their own pockets.
This selfless act by his brothers opened the door to Adem’s future.
Udu made the courageous decision to move with Adem to Turkey when he was 13 years old, both adopting new names to integrate into the local culture.
This move allowed Adem to receive advanced basketball training with Istanbul Basket. When Prolific Prep in California reached out via Instagram, inviting Adem to play for them, Udu faced another difficult choice.
Understanding this represented the next crucial step in her son’s development, she encouraged him to seize the opportunity, even though it meant he would leave her behind in Turkey for his final two years of high school.
Udu remained in Turkey while Adem pursued his dreams in America, supporting him from thousands of miles away.
During their phone conversations, she would break into gospel songs, filling their chats with joy and spiritual encouragement.
After hearing about his strong performances at UCLA, she would call and serenade him, moments that Adem cherished.
He recalls being raised by “a hard-working lady to take care of the whole family. Five kids with no husband, she has been really strong taking care of all of us.”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He made his professional debut for Pınar Karşıyaka on October 30, 2019, in the FIBA Europe Cup at just 16 years old, and also debuted in Turkey’s Basketball Super League in November 2019, scoring two points against Galatasaray.
- At the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship in Udine, he averaged 14.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and four blocks per game, leading Turkey to fifth place and earning a spot on the All-Star Five team.
- He initially declared for the 2023 draft while retaining college eligibility, but after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in April 2023, which prevented him from participating in individual workouts, he withdrew and returned to UCLA for his sophomore season.
