James Adams is a veteran basketball coach and mentor with over a decade of experience at the high school, collegiate, and semi-professional levels. A native of Gary, Indiana, he was named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at IU Columbus in November 2023.

Adams previously served four seasons at Madison College, where he was promoted to head coach in his final year. In 2023, he also led the nationally ranked Madison Mavericks semi-pro team to an 18-3 record and a championship appearance.

His high school coaching career includes head roles at Oregon High School and Madison East, where he earned 2018 Big Eight Conference Coach of the Year and led the team to multiple titles. He has helped over 50 student-athletes advance to the collegiate level, including two McDonald’s All-American nominees.

As a player, Adams competed at Mesabi Range College before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Upper Iowa University and a master’s in Sports & Recreational Science from Ohio University.

Outside of basketball, he works as a Student & Family Engagement Specialist, a position he has held for nine years. He also enjoys listening to music, graphic design, and spending time with his two daughters. He currently resides in Columbus, Indiana.