Jordyn Adams, a local basketball star who thought he would be Lamar University’s leading scorer next season, is instead leaving the team to pursue professional opportunities.
Lamar announced Adams’ decision on Monday. He averaged 11 points in his only season with the Cardinals men’s basketball team in 2021-22.
“I would like to thank Coach (Alvin) Brooks for the opportunity to play basketball at Lamar University,” Adams said in a statement provided by the school. “After much prayer and thought, I have decided to pursue my dream of playing professional basketball and I will not be returning to Lamar University. I also want to thank the entire staff for everything they have done for me.
Adams was traded to Lamar last season, which was new coach Alvin Brook’s first recruiting victory at the time. After winning two state titles at Silsbee, Adams had first signed with Austin Peay, where he became Adams the 2020 Ohio Valley Freshman of the Year.
A coaching change at Austin Peay then put Adams in the transfer portal, and he picked Lamar in April 2021.
Related: Adams commits to Lamar’s basketball
But Adams’ lone season at Lamar ended up being hampered by injuries. He missed time with multiple ailments, including a knee injury that sidelined Adams for over a month.
Even so, Adams struggled to play 15 games, averaging 11.4 points. His season-high 21 points came in a non-conference game against Louisiana-Monroe — the same game in which Adams injured his knee.
Brooks praised his former player Monday in a school statement.
“Jordyn is a classy young man from a big family,” said Brooks, entering his second season at Lamar. “We wish him the best in his quest to fulfill his dream of playing professional basketball. Jordyn Adams has a special place in the Lamar Cardinals basketball family for life.
Related: Coach Brooks Recaps Lamar’s Rising Stars Camp
Lamar is coming off a 2-27 season overall and an 0-18 WAC record last season. The Cardinals will have a nearly complete roster overhaul when they return to Southland in 2022-23.
Prior to Adams’ decision on Monday, other Lamar players were traded such as Kasen Harrison (Winthrop), Avontez Ledet (Lamar-Port Arthur) and Xavier Ball (Texas Southern).
Matt Faye is a sportswriter and columnist for Beaumont Enterprise. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter by clicking here.
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