kj adams mom | yvonne adams obituary
The University of Kansas men's basketball team earned an emotional 69-65 victory over 4th-ranked UConn last Friday, fueled by a courageous performance from forward KJ Adams Jr. Adams scored 18 pivotal points, including clutch free throws to seal the win, while grieving his mother Yvonne's recent passing from cancer.
Playing With a Heavy Heart
Adams' mother, Yvonne Adams, died on November 17th after a long battle with breast cancer, according to an obituary published by Russell Stewart Smith Funeral Home. Her funeral was scheduled for the next day, even as her son took the court to lead the Jayhawks to a resume-building win.
Somehow, despite the profound grief of losing his mother just days prior, Adams managed to come through with flying colors for his team when it mattered most. After the final buzzer, coach Bill Self effusively praised his player's resilience.
"Imagine the stress he's been under, and for him to play for you guys the way he did, knowing he's going to get on a plane to say goodbye tomorrow morning...Wow. Stud," an emotional Self told the team in the locker room. "So you guys, put your arms around that kid."
Clutch Despite Adversity
By all accounts, Adams' play against the highly ranked Huskies drastically exceeded expectations given his inner turmoil. Typically an inconsistent free throw shooter, Adams calmly sank two freebies to pad Kansas' late lead.
"For him to make those two free throws at the end...he's not the best free throw shooter, but he's a freakin' winner," Self proclaimed. "How he could do that under these circumstances is pretty remarkable."
For the team and community, Adams' valiant performance underscored his dedication and leadership.
"KJ played with the kind of determined courage we all can learn from," said Kansas booster club president Gary Armstrong. "That young man summoning the strength to lift this team despite his personal heartbreak shows the power of sports healing in times of grief."
The Support of a Team and Town
While still deep in mourning, Adams said his Kansas basketball family has helped provide emotional support during an unfathomably difficult time. The palpable roar of Allen Fieldhouse fans undoubtedly also bolstered his resolve.
"My teammates have helped me a lot. They’ve been here a lot for me," a grateful Adams told reporters postgame. "Having Jayhawk nation in my inner circle means a lot. They especially help me in rough times like these.”
Adams has in fact played in every game for 6-1 Kansas since losing the towering presence of his mother on November 17th. Teammates and coaches continue surrounding him with love while urging him to take any time needed.
Honoring His Mother's Legacy
Yvonne Adams leaves behind an incredible legacy of her own as a multi-sport college athlete at Texas A&M University in the early 90s. She played basketball, volleyball and ran track for the Aggies over a storied collegiate career.
Later in life, the single mother raised KJ as a fierce power forward and McDonald's All-American himself before he became a Jayhawk standout. Friends described Yvonne as KJ's number-one fan who beamed with pride at all his games growing up.
While just 20 years old, Adams undoubtedly draws daily strength by honoring his late mother's memory with his own resolve, leadership and grit through adversity. Those timeless qualities passed from a loving parent to her son now lift up Adams' Kansas teammates and community when spirits waver.
Yvonne Adams may have left this world too soon at age 49, but her fighting spirit carries on through KJ as he summons astounding courage in the aftermath of profound grief. That poise and tenacity in hardship will guide Adams throughout a bright career ahead while keeping his mother's flame burning eternally.
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