The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Basketball to Honor Alex Adams Saturday
February 24 | Men's Basketball
During halftime of Saturday's Mid-American Conference match-up with Buffalo, The University of Akron men's basketball team will honor former Zip Alex Adams for his contributions to the men's program.
As one of the first African American student-athletes to have been recruiting by Akron, Adams was awarded an athletics scholarship and was a two-year letterman (1959-61). He will be the ninth player to have his jersey honored.
Adams was named a Basketball All-American by the United Press (Little All-America Team) during the 1960-61 season as a senior and ranks among the top 10 in program history in points (1,442 - currently ranks No. 9) and rebounds (872 - currently ranks No. 7). His 1,442 points made him UA's then all-time leading scorer.
As a senior, Adams averaged a team-high 19.4 points and a squad-best 11.6 rebounds while earning Ohio Athletic Conference's Most Valuable Player honors. He also led the team in scoring (16.8 ppg) and rebounding (10.1 rpg) as a junior.
In 1975, Adams was named head coach for the Zips, leading the program to a 10-14 record during the 1975-76 season. He had spent the previous five seasons as an assist under former head coach Wyatt Webb.
In addition to lettering for and serving as head coach of the men's basketball team, Adams lettered for the Akron track team from 1959-61, competing as a sprinter, hurdler and high jumper. He was the All-Ohio and OAC sprint champion and the NCAA Midwest Regional high jump champion as a senior.
Adams is a retired UA emeritus faculty member, earning a bachelor's degree in physical education and history from Akron in 1962 and a master's degree in educational administration from Akron in 1970. He was honored with The University of Akron College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009, given for achievement in the education field and significant contribution to the community.
A retired veteran of the United State Air Force, Adams is also a member of the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame (1968 induction class) and an inductee to UA's Varsity "A" Association Sports Hall of Fame (1975).
Saturday's game between the Zips (18-10, 8-5 MAC) and the Bulls (16-9, 7-5 MAC) is set to tip at 7 p.m. ET at Rhodes Arena.
