UH basketball team signs versatile 6-8 transfer from Arizona State

Marcus “MMA” Adams, a former 4-star basketball prospect who played for Arizona State this past season, is joining the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team.

“I really like (the Rainbow Warriors’) style of play and their staff, and I thought it would be a great place for me to play,” Adams told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Adams signed a commitment contract with UH and has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Adams, who is 6 feet 8, is a three-level scorer who can play the wing, stretch four or in the post. In his lone season with Cal State Northridge in 2024-25, Adams averaged 16.5 points on 52.6% shooting, including 39.5% on 3s. That year, he scored 21 and 18 points in two victories over Hawaii. Because of ailments, Adams played sparingly in Arizona State’s victory over UH last November.

“When I played in the (Stan Sheriff Center), the fans were really into the game,” Adams recalled. “They were excited for their team. They booed me like crazy (in 2025). They were really loud. Now I’m excited to play on their side.”

Even before signing with UH, Adams had put his commitment to Hawaii in ink. During a Hawaii vacation in June 2025, he had a tattoo of a hibiscus placed on his right arm. He also declared that “loco moco is my favorite food in the whole wide world.”

As a Narbonne High senior, Adams averaged 28.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. He was named to Max Preps’ 2023 All-California All-Star team. Others on that first team were Caleb Foster (now with Duke), Jared McCain (Oklahoma City Thunder), Trent Perry (UCLA) and Andrej Stojakovic (Illinois).

Adams initially committed to Kansas but left the program in the summer ahead of his freshman season. He then joined BYU but redshirted during the 2023-24 season because of an injury.

After his father died in 2024, he decided to transfer to CSUN, whose campus is near his family’s home in Torrance, Calif.

“It’s been tough, of course. I think about him every day,” Adams said of his father, a former professional basketball player. “He wouldn’t want me and my little brother and my mom to give up. We pushed forward, the three of us, and we strive for greatness every single day. We know he’s watching us, taking care of us.”

Following the breakout season with CSUN, Adams said, “it was time to go back into the world, time to go high major again.”

With CSUN coach Andy Newman’s support, Adams signed with ASU. But injuries to his leg, back and foot limited him to 12 games. His last ASU game was the past Jan. 3. At the end of the season, ASU head coach Bobby Hurley was fired. After being medically cleared, Adams decided to enter the portal.

“I wanted to find a new spot,” Adams said, “and I’m happy it’s Hawaii.”