Being one of the only fifth-year veterans who has been a part of the men's basketball program for the last four seasons, Nana Adu-Poku has shown that despite the high's and low's his squad has encountered, his passion for basketball and the pride in being a York Lion has kept him coming back year after year. 
 
Adu-Poku was an all-around athlete growing up playing sports like soccer, track and field, and ultimate frisbee. It wasn't until ninth grade in high school, when he finally tried out for and ultimately made the school's basketball team. In grade eleven, Adu-Poku's high school team won a regional championship and a year later he was named to the Toronto District School Board all-star team. His successes in high school inspired him to continue to train hard in order to play at a higher level.
 
Adu-Poku joined the York Lions in 2014 and appeared in all 19 games as a rookie forward. He averaged 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game, and even had a remarkable dunk against the Algoma Thunderbirds become the seventh best play in the CIS Top-15 for the year. Adu-Poku has remained a consistent part of the Lions lineup each of his first four years and finished second on the team in field goal percentage at 41.7% last season. He has been a constant performer each year and one of the familiar faces within the men's basketball program. His commitment has not gone unnoticed.
 
"I have grown so much as an individual since becoming a York Lion, so I want to make this opportunity last as long as possible," said the 6'7" forward.
 
Not only is Adu-Poku a part of the basketball program, but he also began working in client services at the Tait Mackenzie Centre just over two years ago. It has given him the opportunity to expand his connections beyond just his team and meet many different people across campus and in the community. His easy-going and friendly personality has made it easy for him to connect personally with the other staff members.
 
"I've loved the strong sense of community I've felt since I became a Lion," says Adu-Poku. "Everywhere I go on campus I will see a friendly face, and that makes this place so easy to feel at home."
 
Adu-Poku believes the Lions have the potential to become one of the best teams in the country. Using the new and old faces of the program and a combination of experience, the Lions are hoping to train and compete to make this dream a reality. Adu-Poku is expecting to use his experience being one of the oldest in the program, to influence and inspire his younger teammates this season.
 
"I will do my best to lead by example and help them to remember that every day is a tryout," says Adu-Poku on how he can be a leader to his younger teammates this season. "There are so many people who would love to have this experience, so we cannot take any day or anything for granted."
 
Being a student-athlete, Adu-Poku has appreciated all the support systems available at his fingertips. He is beyond thankful for the academic advising, athletic therapy, skill trainers, strength coaches, sport psychologists, and most importantly his teammates who have helped him along the way.
 
Adu-Poku his looking to graduate with a kinesiology and health science degree and play alongside his teammates in his final year as they hope to execute everything they have trained for in the upcoming season.
 
Five Questions with Nana:

1. Nickname(s)?
King, T'Challa, Chief

2. Biggest supporter?  
My two brothers

3. If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?  
Fried Plantain

4. Favourite movie?
The Lion King

5. What is one thing on your life's bucket list?
Travel to every continent, except Antarctica