a native of laton, california, adams graduated from laton high school. he then played basketball at fresno pacific college (now fresno pacific university) as a guard for the fresno pacific vikings and graduated in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in political science and history. on september 19, 2011, adams was inducted into the fresno pacific university athletic hall of fame. adams played basketball at fresno pacific (1965–69) and began his coaching career there as well (1969–74).