The Definitive Answer: Is Dola Adebayo Related To NBA Star Bam Adebayo? 5 Facts To Know

The question of whether college basketball standout Dola Adebayo is related to Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo has become a persistent topic among basketball fans and analysts. As of the current date, December 16, 2025, the shared, uncommon Nigerian surname has fueled widespread speculation, especially as Dola has risen to prominence in the NCAA, recently transferring to the George Mason Patriots. This deep-dive article provides the definitive, up-to-date answer to this curiosity-driven question, separating fact from rumor and profiling both players’ unique career paths.

The short answer is a definitive no: Dola Adebayo is not related by blood to Edrice Femi "Bam" Adebayo. While the two athletes share a powerful last name and both play the forward/center position on the basketball court, their family trees do not intersect. The rumor gained significant traction during the 2024-25 NCAA season, but a closer look at the biographical details and family history of both stars reveals two distinct and impressive basketball careers.

Dola Adebayo: Biographical Profile and Career Trajectory

Dola Adebayo is a rising star in the college basketball landscape, known for his versatility and performance as a forward. His career has seen significant growth, culminating in a high-profile transfer to a major conference program.

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• Full Name: Dola Adebayo
• Hometown: Ocala, Florida / Fort Myers, Florida
• High School: Canterbury School
• Primary Position: Forward / Power Forward
• Current College Team (2025-26): George Mason Patriots (Atlantic 10 Conference)
• Previous College Team: Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers (MAAC)
• Notable Achievements (2024-25 Season): All-MAAC Second Team, MAAC Tournament MVP
• Draft Eligibility: Projected for the 2026 NBA Draft

Dola Adebayo first made a name for himself at Mount St. Mary's, where he was a dominant presence. During the 2024-25 season, he started all 36 games for the Mountaineers, showcasing his all-around game by averaging 13.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per contest.

His impressive performance, which included earning the MAAC Tournament MVP award, made him a highly sought-after player in the NCAA transfer portal.

The Definitive Truth: Why the Adebayo Connection is a Myth

The rumor that Dola Adebayo is a brother or cousin to Bam Adebayo is a classic case of shared surname confusion. In the world of high-profile athletics, an uncommon last name is often enough to spark speculation about a familial link, but the facts clearly debunk this idea.

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Bam Adebayo’s Family Structure

Bam Adebayo’s personal and family life is well-documented. He is the son of Marilyn Adebayo, who raised him as a single mother. Bam, whose birth name is Edrice Femi Adebayo, is an only child from his mother’s side.

He does have a half-brother named Jabari Ashe from his father’s side, but no other siblings. This fact alone directly contradicts any speculation that Dola Adebayo is a blood relative, such as a full brother or sister.

The Nigerian Surname Factor

The surname "Adebayo" is of Nigerian origin, specifically from the Yoruba people. It is a common name in Nigeria and means "the crown met joy." Just like names such as Smith or Jones in the US, or Johnson and Williams in basketball, sharing a surname does not automatically imply a direct family relationship.

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The fact that both young men are talented basketball players—one an established NBA All-Star and the other a top college transfer—simply amplified the perceived connection, making it a popular point of discussion on social media and sports forums.

Bam Adebayo: NBA All-Star and Miami Heat Anchor

Edrice Femi "Bam" Adebayo has cemented his place as one of the NBA's premier two-way centers. His career, centered entirely with the Miami Heat, is a testament to his defensive prowess and constantly evolving offensive game.

• Full Name: Edrice Femi "Bam" Adebayo
• Nickname Origin: Named "Bam" by his mother after the character Bamm-Bamm Rubble from The Flintstones.
• Primary Position: Center / Power Forward
• NBA Team: Miami Heat
• College: Kentucky Wildcats
• Key Career Stats (2024-25 Regular Season): Averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over 78 games.
• Current Season Focus (2025-26): Bam has continued to expand his offensive range, notably connecting on a career-high five three-pointers early in the 2025-26 season and increasing his three-point attempts, demonstrating a continuous evolution of his game.

Bam Adebayo is the undisputed anchor of the Miami Heat's defense, consistently earning All-Defensive team honors. His journey from the Kentucky Wildcats to an NBA All-Star is a completely separate story from Dola's, though both share the dedication required to excel at the highest levels of basketball.

Dola Adebayo’s Impact on the George Mason Patriots in 2025-26

The most current and compelling information on Dola Adebayo is his immediate impact on the George Mason Patriots program in the Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) for the 2025-26 season. His transfer was a major recruiting win for the Patriots, bringing a proven scorer and rebounder to the roster.

Dola committed to George Mason in April 2025, a move that immediately elevated the team's profile.

Early in the 2025-26 campaign, Dola Adebayo has been adjusting to the higher level of competition in the A-10. Current statistics from the beginning of the season show him averaging around 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, with a 34.9% field goal percentage, as he settles into his new role with the Patriots.

His successful past season, where he was a key part of Mount St. Mary's success, is a strong indicator of his potential. The Forward's ability to contribute on both ends of the floor—scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots—makes him a crucial player to watch as the George Mason season progresses toward the NCAA tournament.

5 Key Facts Separating Dola Adebayo and Bam Adebayo

To summarize the relationship between these two basketball talents, here are the five definitive facts that clarify the common confusion:

1. No Familial Relation: Dola Adebayo and Bam Adebayo are not related by blood. They do not share parents, and Bam Adebayo is an only child of his mother, Marilyn Adebayo.
2. Different Career Stages: Bam Adebayo is an established NBA All-Star and franchise player for the Miami Heat, while Dola Adebayo is a rising college standout who recently transferred to the George Mason Patriots.
3. Different College Paths: Bam played for the high-profile Kentucky Wildcats, a perennial powerhouse. Dola played for Mount St. Mary's before transferring to the George Mason Patriots.
4. Nickname vs. First Name: "Bam" is a well-known nickname for Edrice Femi Adebayo. Dola is the player's actual first name.
5. Surname is Common in Yoruba Culture: The surname Adebayo is a common name in Nigeria, and its shared use among two unrelated high-level basketball players is simply a coincidence.

In conclusion, while the shared name and similar athletic fields make the rumor understandable, Dola Adebayo and Bam Adebayo are two distinct individuals carving out their own successful careers in basketball. The focus should remain on Dola's promising future with the George Mason Patriots in the A-10 and Bam's continued dominance as a Miami Heat superstar.