ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – University of New Mexico men’s basketball assistant coach Drew Adams is leaving the program after being named assistant coach at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Adams, who wrapped up his fourth season with the Lobos, will return to his Midwest roots with the Braves after being a part of five Mountain West championships at New Mexico.
“It will be bittersweet to lose Drew, but I am very happy for him and his family,” said head coach Craig Neal. “This is a terrific opportunity for him to coach closer to home. He will be a great addition to the staff at Bradley. It’s a testament to the program we have built here when coaches and staff move on to bigger and better opportunities. Drew will be missed, but we are all very excited for him as he takes the next step in his career.”
Adams joins Brian Wardle’s staff at Bradley after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach under both Craig Neal and Steve Alford. Prior to that, he was the Director of Operations with the Lobos for the 2011-12 season. New Mexico won 99 games during Adams’ time on staff and became the first program in MW history to win three-straight conference tournaments.
“I am very appreciative of my four years at New Mexico with Coach Neal and Coach Alford,” said Adams. “I have learned so much during my time here with the Lobo family, and I can’t thank Coach Neal, Coach Alford and the University of New Mexico enough for such a great chapter of my life. It’s sad to leave UNM, but I am happy knowing the program has a bright future.”
Wardle was named head coach at Bradley after a very successful five-year stint at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where he led the Phoenix to three consecutive postseason appearances.