"Sign him up," "About to go pro" - NBA fans in awe of Bam Adebayo's fencing skills amid solid Team USA run

After thriving during Team USA's 103-86 2024 Paris Olympic group-phase victory over South Sudan on Wednesday, star center Bam Adebayo tried his hand at fencing. His skills impressed NBA fans, with many encouraging him to take up fencing as a second sport.

Adebayo led Team USA with a team-best 18 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two 3-pointers, shooting 80.0% against South Sudan. His versatile play helped the Americans improve to 2-0 in group play and secure a quarterfinal berth in the men's Olympic basketball tournament.

Amid its gold medal quest, Team USA had Thursday off as it awaits its final group-phase contest against Puerto Rico on Saturday. Adebayo seemingly used his rest day to participate in a fencing lesson with American fencer Miles Chamley-Watson, with USA Basketball's X/Twitter account sharing his experience.

After starting slowly, Adebayo noted that his "hand [was] cramping." However, the three-time NBA All-Star eventually got the hang of it, adding some flare to his training moves.

"I might [have] a second career," Adebayo said.

Adebayo and Chamley-Watson later suited up in fencing gear for a friendly match, with the Heat star quipping that he got "one point."

Afterward, Adebayo expressed gratitude to Chamley-Watson for being the first pro fencer to offer to train him after mentioning his interest in the sport. The two then posed for a photo together, with Chamley-Watson signing a pair of shoes for Adebayo.

Upon seeing Bam Adebayo's fencing venture, fans on X/Twitter remarked about him being a quick learner and potentially having a future in the sport.

"He’s about to go pro in fencing as well," @spomuse said.

"Yes, sign him up, you can compete in multiple sports!" @FroemelAndy said.

"I’d not be surprised if he learns that easily," @mintsniper said.

"BAM [IS] NOT PLAYING," @tboe3D said.

"We got Bam fencing? W," @JTCEZN said.

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Bam Adebayo on earning Team USA coach Steve Kerr's trust amid gold medal pursuit

With his team-leading 18 points against South Sudan, Bam Adebayo was part of Team USA's self-proclaimed "bench mob" that outscored the Sudanese bench 66-14. He and fellow reserves Kevin Durant, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Anthony Edwards strongly impacted the game, allowing the Americans to build upon their lead.

Afterward, Adebayo touched on how coach Steve Kerr has continually empowered Team USA's bench unit.

"I just think Steve trusts us," Adebayo said. "I feel like he looks at the benches, that spark, to come off the bench and really give us a boost, and we did that tonight."

Kerr noted that he plans to continue tinkering with his rotations during Saturday's final group-phase matchup against Puerto Rico. However, given Adebayo's critical two-way bench play, his role appears relatively safe as he pursues his second Olympic gold medal.

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