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Brian Adams '06 plays a key off-court role for the Celtics

Brian Adams '06 carved out a successful career in the Connecticut College cross country and track & field teams and worked closely with the men's basketball program as a manager and video assistant.

Now, he's truly living life in the fast lane as a video coordinator for the 17-time world champion Boston Celtics.

Watching basketball all day, providing scouting video for both the players and coaching staff - many would consider this a dream job. But don't call this Camel lucky, unless you're superstar forward Paul Pierce.

"We have this mascot, Lucky," Adams says. "Our captain, Paul Pierce, said that I look a lot like him. The whole team calls me Lucky now."

Adams may have been in the right place at the right time to land a job with the Celtics. But his commitment in the classroom and in Camel athletics helped shape his professional career.

Adams was the cross country team's rookie of the year in his sophomore season and was named the most valuable runner in a stellar junior campaign. He garnered All-New England Honors and was on the All-NESCAC Team as well as the NESCAC All-Academic Team.

Now he plays an integral role in the Celtics' winning formula. Adams puts together detailed video scouting footage for head coach Doc Rivers and his coaching staff. He's in before 6 a.m. and usually doesn't get home to his apartment in Cambridge until after 7 at night.

"I always look back on my Connecticut College experience as an essential reason for being able to work these long hours," Adams says. "Sports were a love and academics were very important."

Last year was quite memorable for Adams. The Celtics won 66 games en route to their 17th NBA Championship, which he celebrated with the team with a visit to the White House and a ceremony at Fenway Park. And he's got the bling to show for it – a World Championship ring.

While much of his attention is now focused on the "Big Three" of Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, there were two key individuals at Connecticut College who stimulated Adams' interest in the sports profession. Men's cross country coach Jim Butler recruited him as a sophomore transfer from the University of New Hampshire, knowing he'd found someone with the drive and ambition to keep the Camels in the running with the league's top brass.

"Brian was one of the most competitive runners I have ever coached," Butler says. "I used to call him ‘The Hurricane' because of his great emotion and passion to perform to his highest level."

Men's basketball coach Tom Satran '94 made a key connection with the New York Knicks that helped Adams land a competitive internship that would lead to his hiring in Boston.

"Brian worked very hard for our program and clearly was a bright, talented person who really wanted to coach," Satran says. "He is really smart and likable and I am so pleased for him that he is off to such an exciting start to his career."

Adams is still considering a coaching career within the collegiate ranks, but for now he is having a ball in Beantown.

- Will Tomasian



June 11, 2009