College Basketball
Darius Adams Recruiting: Michigan State Holding Small Lead Over Tennessee for UConn Decommit
David Evans is an experienced sports journalist with over 15 years in the field. He is known for his reliable and insightful commentary, which has been featured on numerous top sports betting platforms. David specializes in North Carolina basketball, college football, the NFL, soccer, and golf, offering deep knowledge and straightforward analysis in his articles. Outside of work, David stays active with regular gym workouts and enjoys relaxing at home with his cat. With a solid blend of experience and ion, David is a well-respected name in sports journalism, consistently providing valuable and informative content to his readers.
Get to know David Evans betterPublished21 Apr 2025
Darius Adams, a top-25 recruit and McDonald’s All-American, recently decommitted from UConn. Michigan State and Tennessee now appear set to battle for the highly-rated guard, with MSU holding a slight advantage.
Why Adams Decommitted from UConn
Adams signed with UConn in November 2024 but reversed course due to a crowded backcourt. Incoming transfers Silas Demary Jr. (Georgia) and Malachi Smith (Dayton), plus freshman standout Braylon Mullins, made early playing time uncertain. Returning players Solo Ball, Jayden Ross, and Jaylin Stewart further limited Adams’ opportunities.
With better opportunities cropping up elsewhere, Adams now seeks greener pastures.
Michigan State Leading the Chase for Darius Adams
- MSU was a finalist during Adams’ initial recruitment.
- Tom Izzo’s system emphasizes guard development, a key factor in Adams’ decision-making.
- The Spartans offer a clearer path to immediate playing time compared to UConn.
Michigan State’s history of preparing guards for professional careers makes East Lansing an attractive option.
Tennessee Remains Strong Contender for Adams
- Tennessee’s fast-paced offense complements Adams’ shooting and athleticism.
- Rick Barnes has a proven record of maximizing guard potential.
- The Volunteers need dynamic backcourt talent, ensuring Adams a significant role early.
Tennessee’s style and immediate playing time are compelling, but sources indicate they’re slightly trailing Michigan State at this stage.
Other Teams in the Mix
- Alabama’s aggressive offensive approach under Nate Oats remains appealing.
- NC State has a guard friendly system and potentially minutes available for Adams to make an immediate impact.
- Rutgers are still an option with his family connections to the team and close proximity to his New Jersey home.
For now, Michigan State holds a slender lead, but Tennessee remains firmly in the picture.
Final Outlook
Expect Adams to finalize his decision soon, likely choosing the program that guarantees immediate impact and matches his skill set. As of now, the Spartans are the favorites, but Tennessee isn’t far behind.
