BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University is mourning the loss of former basketball standout Luther James "Luke" Adams II who passed away Friday in Fort Myers, Fla. A standout on the basketball court during his time in Beaumont, Adams was named to the Southland's 1970's All-Decades team and was a 2000 inductee into the Cardinal Hall of Honor.
 
A player for Lamar from 1969 to 1971, Adams played in 48 games during his career amassing nearly 1,000 points (924) in just two seasons and more than 500 (515) rebounds. A double-double machine, Adams averaged 19.3 points and pulled down 10.7 rebounds per game during his Cardinal career. He also converted 383 field goals while knocking down 158 of 250 free throw attempts.
 
One of the Southland's shining stars during the early 1970s, Adams would go on to be a two-time first-team All-Southland Conference selection and the second Cardinal to be named SLC Most Valuable Player (1971). Adams remains one of just six Cardinals to receive conference MVP honors.
 
Originally from LaBelle, Fla., Adams career began at Edison Junior College (now Florida Southwestern State College) where he averaged nearly 19 points (18.9 ppg) and better than 20 rebounds per game before transferring to Lamar.
 
Following his collegiate career, Adams was drafted by both the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) and the Carolina Cougars (ABA) in 1971. He would eventually sign with the Cougars where he was coached by the legendary Larry Brown.