25 Adam Williams

Adam Williams was born on September 19, 1985, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Sandra Sue “Sandy” Williams and Harold “Tex” Williams. He grew up in nearby St. Albans and played for his father at St. Albans High School, where he became a two-time first-team all-state selection. As a senior, Williams averaged 19.7 points, eight rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average. He received the 2004 Bill Evans Award as West Virginia’s top high school player and was also named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year.

Williams dreamed of playing for Kentucky from childhood and committed to the Wildcats while still a sophomore in high school. He signed with Tubby Smith’s program on November 12, 2003, then delayed his enrollment because Kentucky was temporarily over its scholarship limit. Williams spent a year at IMG Academy in Florida, gaining additional experience and maturity before joining the Wildcats for the 2005–06 season.

As a freshman, the 6-foot-4 guard appeared in eight games for Kentucky. He played 20 minutes and scored four points while collecting three rebounds. Although his opportunities were limited in a crowded backcourt, Williams fulfilled his lifelong ambition of wearing a Kentucky uniform and was part of a team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Williams relinquished his Kentucky scholarship in April 2006 and received an unconditional release from the university. Tubby Smith praised Williams as a fine young man who had done everything the program asked of him. Williams likewise expressed great respect for Kentucky basketball but explained that his desire to play outweighed his desire to remain in a limited role.

Williams transferred to Marshall University, where his father had starred in basketball and baseball. After sitting out the 2006–07 season under NCAA transfer rules, he became a dependable defender for the Thundering Herd and was frequently assigned to guard an opponent’s leading scorer. Williams played in 51 games and made 11 starts at Marshall, with notable performances including five points and four rebounds against Houston and four assists against East Carolina.

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marshall in 2009. He was named to the 2009 Conference USA All-Academic Team and received the conference’s Spirit of Service Award. He immediately entered coaching as a graduate assistant at Marshall and later held positions at West Virginia Tech, Central Florida, Longwood and Stetson. Williams also served as head coach at Salem University before returning to Marshall as an assistant, continuing the basketball tradition established by his father.

Williams married fellow West Virginia native Megan Wojcik. They have two children, Nixon and Georgina.