NEW YORK — Years of dedication and hard work paid off in one big moment for Edrice “Bam” Adebayo. The Northside basketball product climbed all the way up the draft board to be a lottery pick for the Miami Heat at No. 14 overall.

The call that came around 9 p.m. was one Adebayo had been waiting his entire life to receive. It’s been a long journey for the former Panther. It was a prospect that pushed him during his countless hours training in the gym at Northside.

“It’s a blessing. I give everything to God,” Adebayo said. He didn’t know Miami would be selecting him until about 30 seconds before NBA commissioner Adam Silver walked out. “… I’m glad everyone has supported me and is still behind me.”

The 6-foot-10 forward spent three seasons with the Panthers before heading to High Point Christian Academy for his senior season. From there, Adebayo courted schools from all over the country — some as close as East Carolina and North Carolina State — before settling on Kentucky.

“I just consider myself lucky to have been able to coach him for three years,” Northside coach Mike Proctor said. “He is such a hard worker and truly humble person. He is like a member of our family. We want nothing but the best for him.”

Adebayo, playing for a Wildcat program that is arguably the nation’s best in terms of grooming NBA talent, garnered a reputation as a high-energy big man. He led Kentucky in rebounds (8 per game) and blocks (1.5 per game). He oftentimes worked above the rim to earn his 13 points a game, which ranked third — only trailing fellow first-round picks Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox.

“I’m happy for him. Miami, what a great place,” coach John Calipari said on ESPN’s broadcast.

Read more: How Adebayo arrived on the national stage

By drafting Adebayo, the Heat own his NBA rights for as many as four years, depending on team options. His 2017-18 salary will be $2.5 million. He has already made his way down to Miami and interviewed with the team on Friday. Workouts start Tuesday, and Adebayo couldn’t be more excited about beginning his NBA career.

“(I’m excited for) the atmosphere,” he said. “I feel like they bring the energy. The fans love us.”

Adebayo said he hasn’t had a chance to meet anyone the team yet, but looks forward to playing with superstar center Hassan Whiteside.

The last day or so has been a whirlwind for Adebayo. He said he signed a deal with Nike and has a lot to figure out in the coming days. He also added that he hasn’t even had much of an opportunity to discuss everything with his mother, who was equally, if not more overwhelmed by him being drafted.