“I love him… but I don’t love him that much,” Udonis Haslem joked about not wanting Bam Adebayo to break his records. The Big Brother must have only wanted to encourage and motivate the Heat Star. Adebayo has already surpassed Alonzo Mourning for second place on the Heat’s all-time rebounding list. And he is very close to breaking the record set by Haslem. And the Heat legends are thrilled! Former Heat player Alonzo Mourning has already made the prophecy. But will it come true?
Bam was drafted as the 14th overall pick by the Miami Heat in 2017, and Mourning hasn’t forgotten that day yet. He made his bold prophecy to Heat president Pat Riley. In the latest episode of The OGs podcast, the retired NBA player joined hosts Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller. Speaking about Adebayo’s contribution to the team, Haslem and Mourning only had praise and appreciation for the 27-year-old star.
Alonzo Mourning emphasized how he had faith in him right from the beginning. Recalling the bold prediction he made about Adebayo on draft day, Mourning apparently told Riley that one day they would also have the opportunity to retire his jersey.
“I said to Riley. I said one day we’re going to be hanging his jersey in the rafters. And Riley looked at me and I was like “Watch what I tell you” Because I think about humble beginnings with Bam. The man—single mother—grew up in the trailer park. He’s hungry…..I said when he gets here this is the perfect organization for him cuz he’s going to develop all the right work habits right off the bat. And eventually that’s going to blossom into the player he is,” he said.
In yesterday’s game, Heat recorded 120-94 win over the Washington Wizards. Adebayo contributed 28 points while Herro scored 27 points. The team successfully broke its 10-game losing streak and is now on its longest winning streak of the season at five games. During the tough times of back-to-back losses, Heat mentor Haslem was quick to offer his help.
Dec 12, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) brings the ball up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
While it might be a bit too soon for the prediction on the rafter, presently, Adebayo has shown a power-packed performance every day to prove his mettle!
Bam Adebayo’s rise from a small-town boy to an NBA star
The 3x NBA All-Star grew up in a small town, spending most of his childhood in a single-wide trailer. Born to Marilyn Blount, he began playing neighborhood basketball on a portable hoop in the street. With his single mother working as a cashier at the Acre Station Meat Farm—Bam’s tough childhood is what had shaped him into the leader that he is now, leading the Heats through highs and lows.
After honing the hoops’ set skills, his towering height of 6′ 6″ by the age of 13 and remarkable speed enhanced his performance. His standout performances in high school caught the eye of Kentucky Wildcats coach John Calipari, who saw Adebayo’s caliber. And man, did he prove Calipari right? Although he left for the majors just after the freshman year, he has left some deep impression on the program. His achievements while committing to Kentucky include, but not limited to—Gatorade Player of Year, McDonald’s All-American and USA Today All-American.
And he has continued to impress. Now in his eighth season with the Miami Heat, he has surpassed Rony Seikaly as the franchise’s all-time leader in double-doubles. The power forward currently averages 17.7 ppg and 9.7 reb while shooting at an accuracy of 48.5 from the field.
While Adebayo didn’t make it to Haslem’s list of the league’s top five big men, it has only fueled his determination, just like how Haslem’s has intended! Only time will tell how far his perseverance and hard work would take him.
The post “We’re going to be…”: Alonzo Mourning Reveals Bold Prophecy to Pat Riley On 27YO Heat Star’s Draft Night appeared first on EssentiallySports.
