In an era when big men are increasingly expected to stretch the floor with three-point shooting, Dame Adelekun stands out by doing exactly the opposite. He thrives in the areas traditionally reserved for classic bigs, consistently impacting games through rebounding, efficient scoring, and disciplined defensive work.
| Player | Team | Minutes Played | Points Per Game | eFG% | % Shots as 3P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isaih Moore | Manchester Basketball | 116.30 | 13.2 | 71.6% | 15.9% |
| Jordan Ratinho | B. Braun Sheffield Sharks | 162.80 | 8.4 | 70.8% | 36.1% |
| Dame Adelekun | Surrey 89ers | 152.60 | 12.5 | 68.0% | 0.0% |
| Tanner Stuckman | Caledonia Gladiators | 190.05 | 13.7 | 66.7% | 39.7% |
| Zach Jackson | Leicester Riders | 162.95 | 19.4 | 65.7% | 33.3% |
With an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 68.0%—and without a single shot taken from beyond the arc—Adelekun has solidified his position as one of the most efficient players in the league. His offence is simple but devastatingly effective: he sets screens, rolls to the low post, and finishes at the basket. He rarely forces plays outside his comfort zone, preferring to hand the ball off to teammates if he catches it away from the paint.
This approach aligns perfectly with Surrey’s slower-paced offence, which ranks last in the South Group with just 64.0 possessions per game. Adelekun’s style fits well with this system, as Surrey prioritises high-percentage shots over rapid ball movement or risky outside attempts. His fundamental approach provides a sense of stability, ensuring the team gets reliable points in the half-court.
On the defensive end, Adelekun is equally effective. His presence on the boards is vital for Surrey, particularly on the defensive end, where he excels at limiting opponents’ second-chance opportunities. With 7.2 defensive rebounds per game, Adelekun ensures Surrey maintains control in the paint, allowing them to reset and run their deliberate, high-efficiency offence.
| Player | Team | REB Per Game | OREB Per Game | DREB Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dame Adelekun | Surrey 89ers | 9.5 | 2.3 | 7.2 |
| Charles Thompson | Leicester Riders | 8.8 | 2.2 | 6.6 |
| Jaiden Delaire | London Lions | 8.6 | 3.2 | 5.4 |
| Aaryn Rai | London Lions | 7.5 | 1.0 | 6.5 |
| Fahro Alihodzic | Caledonia Gladiators | 7.2 | 2.0 | 5.2 |
Adelekun’s commitment to traditional big-man responsibilities allows Surrey to be efficient within their slower system, even in an era that favours speed and perimeter shooting. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Adelekun’s unique blend of old-school fundamentals and modern efficiency continues to shape Surrey’s approach. Can this style overcome the pace and versatility of faster teams, or will Surrey’s reliance on Adelekun’s consistent play eventually run into limits?
