Indiana University officially announced Drew Adams as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball program on Wednesday morning, marking a significant homecoming for the Bloomington native. Adams, a 2004 graduate of Bloomington High School South, returns to IU with a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the Hoosiers’ basketball legacy.
Adams’ coaching journey began after earning his bachelor’s degree in sports management from the University of Tennessee in 2009. He initially joined IU’s staff under Coach Darian DeVries, serving as the Coordinator of Basketball Systems before being promoted to Director of Operations/Video Coordinator in 2010 . His early roles at IU laid the foundation for a coaching career that has spanned over a decade across various collegiate programs.
Following his initial stint at Indiana, Adams served as Director of Operations and later as an assistant coach at the University of New Mexico, contributing to the team’s multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships. He then spent seven years at Bradley University, where he played a pivotal role in the Braves’ back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference titles, a first in the program’s history. Most recently, Adams was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Cincinnati, helping the Bearcats transition into the Big 12 Conference and achieve a 63–43 record over three seasons .
Adams’ return to Indiana comes under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Darian DeVries. The two share a vision for revitalizing the Hoosiers’ basketball program, with Adams’ extensive recruiting experience and local ties expected to be instrumental in attracting top talent from Indiana and the broader Midwest region.
Under his new role, Adams has signed a two-year memorandum of understanding with IU, featuring a base salary of $400,000 per year. The agreement includes performance-based bonuses for NCAA Tournament achievements and a $25,000 signing bonus, reflecting the university’s confidence in his capabilities .
Adams’ appointment is part of a broader effort to assemble a dynamic coaching staff aimed at restoring Indiana’s prominence in college basketball. His deep understanding of the game’s intricacies, combined with his passion for the Hoosiers, positions him as a valuable asset in the program’s pursuit of excellence.
As the Hoosiers prepare for the upcoming season, Adams’ blend of experience, local insight, and commitment to the program’s success offers a promising outlook for Indiana basketball’s future.
