Adams was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 132nd overall pick in the 1971 NBA draft.[5] He was also chosen by the Carolina Cougars in the 1971 American Basketball Association (ABA) draft.[6] Adams had three agents unsuccessfully negotiate a contract with Cougars president Carl Scheer before he travelled 1,200 miles by car to personally meet with Scheer and discuss a deal.[7] He signed with the Cougars on May 2, 1971.[8]
Adams was inducted into the Lamar Cardinal Hall of Honor in 2000.[3] In 2013, the Southland Conference announced he was a member of its 1970s All-Decade Men's Basketball Team.[1]