Already the NBL Division One all-time leading scorer, Adeluola's basket made him the only player in the National League's top flight to surpass the 4,000-point mark.
He ended the game with 11 points and eight assists in Thunder's 100-74 loss to reigning regular-season champions Derby Trailblazers on Saturday night. A defeat, yes, but to score the 4,000th point on his home floor softened the blow from a personal perspective.
"I'm just thankful for the opportunity, thankful to my team, and thankful for the longevity," Adeluola said afterwards.
"I'm a humble guy, and a lot of work has gone into this. I'm blessed to have so many great coaches that have helped me over my playing career so far, and just being able to play for a long time and still be useful, so I'm thankful."
The foundations for his landmark achievement were laid by Adeluola in the decorated East London Royals junior set-up before he moved on to Barking Abbey.
Adeluola bounced around several clubs around the capital, most notably for PAWS London Capital and he won his first silverware in NBL1 with the London Mets in 2010 when they claimed the National Trophy in Manchester.
Mets' hustle and desire to win against the odds are typical Adeluola qualities as a player and human being. He strives for perfection with an attitude forged in London, where some of the best homegrown players have learned their trade.
"London is my heart. It's where I learned everything,” Adeluola reflected.
"In London, I learned to be a point guard, I learned to be tough, I had to be gritty, and I learned to be a competitor.
"That's what the London ballers do, and not being biased, but we are the most competitive and always going to play hard. That's the advantage I have being from London. It's something you got to have."
But there came a time when Adeluola moved away and experienced something new. Sometimes, you have to step out of your comfort zone and explore something different to learn more about yourself.
If you take that leap and embrace it, it can make you a better person.
And Adeluola did just that.
He joined Hemel in the 2011-12 season and made an immediate impact, lifting the Patron's Cup title while helping the Storm gain promotion to Division One having averaged 19.2 points a game in Division Two.
Hemel never looked back, and he flourished in Division One. In his next 10 seasons with the Storm, playing with a burning beacon of light that never flickered.
The 5'11 guard helped Hemel win the National Cup in 2018, scoring 10 points and claiming four steals in a 94-77 triumph over Manchester Magic.
Adeluola played an integral part in helping the Storm reach the Division One Playoff final twice, in 2021 and 2022, but on both occasions, they fell short against the all-conquering Team Solent Kestrels.
"Winning the National Cup, for me, was my standout moment; winning it for the incredible fans there was magical, as well as winning the Patrons Cup," Adeluola said.
"Hemel was memorable, and those guys have a special place in my heart. Also, the league I won with London Met was terrific, early in my career, and with my London family. That was special."
The determination to keep pushing for more victories is a testament to Adeluola's competitive spirit, which has been driven not only by himself but also by the many coaches who have pushed him to be the best he can be.
"There are too many players to name, but they all know who they are and how they've made me who I am, as well as my coaches, Lloyd Gardner, Mark Clark, Dave Titmuss, Dru Spinks, Rob Banks. Again, I could go on, and it shows how long I've been playing, I guess," he says with a grin.
“They’ve all been incredible mentors and people to me, it means everything.”
As for more trophies?
"I think I'm due another one – I've got to win at least one more trophy. I got to," Adeluola said.
Watch this space.
Interview: John Hobbs
Pictures: Luke Simcock
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