Kansas basketball four-star pledge Marcus Adams Jr. signs National Letter of Intent
Two months ago, Kansas four-star pledge Marcus Adams didn’t even have an offer from coach Bill Self and the Kansas basketball program.
On Monday, the 6-foot-8, 205-pound small forward who’s in his junior year at Narbonne (California) High School signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play basketball for the Jayhawks.
Adams’ final three schools were KU, Syracuse and UCLA, but he fielded offers from many others before coming up with that shortlist. Among them, his 247Sports recruiting page listed Kansas State, Oregon, Texas, Mississippi State, USC, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Xavier, Nebraska and Washington State.
Earlier this month, Adams reclassified to the Class of 2023. Now listed as the No. 36-rated player in the Class of 2023 (per 247Sports), Adams will join the Jayhawks in June.
“I’m very excited,” he told the Star. “It’s been a dream of mine always to go to college. This is an opportunity you only have one time to get this opportunity. I’m very excited and going to enjoy the moment.”
Adams never envisioned he would have the chance to play at Kansas.
“I didn’t expect none of this,” he said. “I’m grateful to be a part of this winning program with one of the greatest coaches of all-time (Self), or maybe the greatest coach of college basketball.
“Also, the biggest support system in college basketball, too. You can’t forget about the supporters and the fans. That’s what really keeps the arena rocking and gives the energy. … It’s just very cool. I’m going to be part of it. I hope I can deliver and make an impact when I can get there.”
Adams said he’s been in close contact with Self and KU assistant coach Kurtis Townsend. In fact, he said, Townsend talked to Adams before every one of his high school games.
“He’d be (asking) me how am I doing and ‘Do you have any questions?’” Adams said. “Always checking out how (my) school is doing. He’s more than a coach, really. That’s what I really love about him and Self.”
Earlier in April, Adams told The Star he was focusing on improving his body before he arrives in Lawrence.
“I need to work on my handle, my body — I’ve got a lot to work on,” he said. “Basically everything. It’s never enough to learn, you know? ... The more I work, the better I am going to get and the more I am going to get used to this next level.”
Adams also been in constant contact with KU’s director of sports performance, Ramsey Nijem. Adams currently weighs 220 pounds but is trying to get into the 205-210 range in order to improve his leaping ability.
“I’m working on myself right now,” he said. “Triple, double workouts a day so I can be ready and be in tip-top shape for when I get over there in June.”
Ultimately, Adams can’t wait to play in front of the 16,300 fans that will typically pack Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence.
“To the fans, I am very grateful for the support,” he said. “I love all of them. It’s very exciting to be playing in front of them in the fieldhouse, man. Energy is what feeds me — that’s when I turn up and stuff like that.
“I’m very excited. I want to meet as many fans a I can. So, thank you and Rock Chalk, always. “
This story was originally published April 17, 2023 at 2:05 PM.
