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Jarad Scott Honors Adams

Winthrop's Jarad Scott Gives Up Life-long Number In Honor Of DeAndre Adams

Eagle Freshman Will Wear No. 35

ROCK HILL, SC—Nearly six years have passed since Eagle fans gathered in the Winthrop Coliseum for a memorial service to celebrate the life of basketball player DeAndre Adams, the beloved young man who tragically lost his life in a car accident following his sophomore year.

The No. 24 that graced Adams' Winthrop uniform has not been worn since his final game of the 2006-07 season. That will continue to be the case, says second-year Eagle basketball coach Pat Kelsey.

According to Kelsey, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio's first directive to him after his acceptance of the head coaching position last year was clear, "He said, 'The DeAndre Adams legacy will not be forgotten on your watch!' as he explained to me about the tremendous loss suffered by the Winthrop community when Adams died."

That brings us to freshman signee Jarad Scott, a 6-8 power forward out of Lumberton, NC. Scott has always worn the No. 24 and planned on wearing his lifelong number at Winthrop, but instead will be donning No. 35.

"Jarad was planning to wear No. 24, but when our roster was updated online earlier this week, we quickly heard from our fan base that '24' was off limits," said Kelsey. "To Jarad's credit, he spoke up and volunteered to change numbers in honor of DeAndre. I am proud of him for the gesture. I spoke to former player Mantoris Robinson and he was relieved that 24 would remain DeAndre's forever. I think he spoke for everyone."

Kelsey said it was crystal clear how beloved DeAndre was after his first talk with DiGiorgio. "As I researched his story further, I was struck by the profound effect he had on all those he touched. I never met him but I felt as if his energy still resonated in our Coliseum. We put a 30-foot mural up in the Coliseum and also have featured DeAndre prominently in our newly designed office suite. Our returning players know DeAndre's story and his legacy. Our freshman are now finding out."

"Coach Kelsey told us the story of DeAndre Adams on Monday at a freshman assembly during Welcome Week," said Scott. "I have worn 24 since I was a little kid, but when I found out that people were upset because I chose the number, I immediately told Coach Kelsey of my wish to change in DeAndre's honor. I hope to make my new No. 35 mean a lot to people with how I play."

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