The field for the Quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Championship is now complete and two former stars of the Grind Session – Adem Bona and Onuralp Bitim of Türkiye – remain in pursuit of the European crown.
Türkiye continued their unbeaten start to the tournament by defeating Sweden in the Round of 16 over the weekend. They now meet Poland in the opening quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, September 9.
From Grind Session to EuroBasket: Bona AND BITIM
Adem Bona (Türkiye)
Bona played his final two seasons of high school basketball (2020-2022) with Prolific Prep, during which he was a two-time Grind Session all-star, consensus five-star recruit, and 2022 McDonald’s All-American. After two seasons at UCLA, he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft with the 41st overall pick, where he remains today.
Onuralp Bitim (Türkiye)
Bitim played his junior year of prep basketball (2016–2017) with Huntington Expression Prep on the Grind Session. After high school, he returned to Türkiye and turned professional, spending six seasons (2017-2023) in the Turkish Super League. In 2024, Bitim signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls and bounced between the NBA and G League. He is currently signed with Istanbul powerhouse Fenerbahçe Beko.
Adem and Onuralp
“Adem and Onuralp are perfect examples of what the Grind Session is all about—preparing elite talent for the biggest stages in basketball. They came through our circuit with raw talent and a hunger to grow, and now they’re on the verge of EuroBasket glory representing their country,” said Grind Session co-founder and CEO Scott Waldrop. “It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you combine opportunity with relentless work ethic. We’re proud to have been part of their journey, and we’re cheering them on as they chase history with team Türkiye.”
Quarterfinal Matchups, Tip-off Times
The dates and times for the Quarterfinals are as follows:
Tuesday, September 9
- Türkiye vs Poland - 17:00 local (16:00 CET)
- Lithuania vs Greece - 21:00 local (20:00 CET)
Wednesday, September 10
- Finland vs Georgia - 17:00 local (16:00 CET)
- Germany vs Slovenia - 21:00 local (20:00 CET)
The four winners will advance to the Semifinals, which will be played on Friday, September 12, before the tournament concludes with the Third Place Game and Final on Sunday, September 14.
Grind Session Impact Continues to Go Global
What began as a winter circuit of high school events in 2014, has evolved into a premier global platform for elite basketball development. Today, the Grind Session stands as a proven pipeline to top professional leagues, national teams, and FIBA tournaments worldwide. With teams and talent representing countries across multiple continents, the Grind Session consistently attracts international scouts and coaches, solidifying its reputation as a launchpad for the game’s next generation.
“Our circuit’s commitment to high-level competition, player growth, and global exposure has made it an essential stop for aspiring pros and a recognized force in shaping the future of basketball,” said Waldrop. “Seeing our alumni compete at EuroBasket, representing their nations on such a massive stage, is a testament to the quality of talent and preparation fostered through the Grind Session.”
To date, more than 3,000 Grind Session alumni have gone on to succeed at the collegiate and professional levels, with approximately 100 NBA players and more than 20 first-round NBA draft picks emerging from its ranks. Some of the more notable players who have competed on the circuit include Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Jalen Green (Chicago Bulls), DeAndre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers), Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), and Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), among others.
