Earl “Brother” Adkins was a three sport star for Ashland High School in the 1950's. He was named Kentucky's Mr. Basketball and captain of the All-State Team in 1953. During that same year, he was voted All-American and chosen as the nation's Mr. Basketball. Earl was not only a distinguished basketball player; he also excelled at football and track for Ashland High School. He was an All-State running back in football and was even offered a football scholarship at the University of Kentucky by Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Earl, however, stuck with his love of basketball and decided to play at the University of Kentucky for Coach Adolph Rupp. Earl was the “sixth” man on Rupp's 1958 National Championship team. Coach Rupp called Earl one of the best “sixth” men in the nation during his senior year.
