At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Heat star Bam Adebayo is putting the world on notice with breakout performances to help propel Team USA's pursuit of a fifth-straight Olympic gold medal.
Adebayo, largely known for his command on the defensive end of the floor, is displaying his two-way prowess with an evolved offensive game that includes the ability to knock down jumpers from beyond the arc. His performances have been a welcomed sight to current and former teammates alike, including Heat legend Dwyane Wade, who has been the analyst for USA Basketball games in France.
"His momma call him Bam, I'ma call him Bam," Wade exclaimed during Team USA's win over South Sudan. "There you go, Bamonte!"
Wade's first statement was a reference to the 1988 film "Coming to America." but the next choice to call his former teammate Bamonte may have confused those not in the know.
Here's more on how Adebayo earned the nickname.
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Bam Adebayo's Bamonte nickname, explained
The Bamonte nickname originated during the last Olympics in Tokyo.
In one of JaVale McGee's Olympic vlogs, the veteran center asked Adebayo if "Bam" was a nickname that was short for something. Adebayo first responded by saying it was an acronym for "By any means" before offering up his given first name. McGee, however, had another idea, suggesting that Bam was short for "Bamonte."
The quick moment allowed the nickname to take a life of its own with the Heat and Adebayo himself embracing it as an alter ego of sorts.
Who is Bamonte? 🇺🇸@Bam1of1 introduced him to us last summer. #HEATYearbook pic.twitter.com/ou79AJKqga
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) June 29, 2022
It has also been used for some of his most explosive highlights.
BAMONTE 💥 pic.twitter.com/gsRSVKyfS6
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 21, 2022
The irony of "Bamonte" is that it is a nickname of a nickname. Adebayo was given the nickname "Bam" by his mother after he flipped a table while watching the Flinstones.
His mother drew parallels to Bamm-Bamm Rubble and thus a legend was born.
MORE: Bam Adebayo's two-way dominance secures spot in Olympic quarterfinals
What is Bam Adebayo's real name?
Adebayo's birth name is Edrice Femi Adebayo but he has been listed as Bam in all major publications throughout his basketball career.
If the new nickname sticks, he could very well be going by Bamonte in the coming years. If nothing else, it could be his alter ego during the Olympic games.
