March 23, 2026, 5:01 a.m. CT
![Alvan Adams, 1972 [OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES]](https://www.oklahoman.com/gcdn/authoring/2019/08/28/NOKL/ghnewsok-OK-5639830-c24194c9.jpeg?width=322&height=649&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Alvan Adams, 1972 [OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES]
The Oklahoman Archives
BASKETBALL / HIGH SCHOOL / CITY / N / 1974-1975 / 1972-1973: The Referee Watches Closely: Caption reads, as Putnam City’s Alvan Adams puts up a two-pointer during the class 4A state final. Staff Photo by Joe Aker. Original Photo 03/12/1972. Published on O-3-12-72.
Joe Aker, Daily Oklahoman
BASKETBALL \ O U \ 1974-75: UNKNOWN: Caption reads, It may look like Alvan Adams is trying to learn how to dribble, but he’s already adept at that. Staff Photo by Cliff Traverse. Original Photo 01/26/1974. Published on O-1-27-74.
Cliff Traverse, Daily Oklahoman
BASKETBALL \ O U \ 1974-75: UNKNOWN: Caption reads, Oklahoma’s Alvan Adams and Kansas’ Dale Greenlee scramble for the loose ball. Staff Photo by Cliff Traverse. Original Photo 02/08/1975. Published on O-2-9-75.
Cliff Traverse, Daily Oklahoman
BASKETBALL / OU /1969-73: UNKNOWN: Caption reads, Alvan Adams (right) goes over Yugoslavia ringleader Kresimir Cosic for two of his 30 points in OU’s 89-83 setback Tuesday night. Staff Photo by Hank Mooney. Original Photo 11/28/1973. Published on O-11-28-73.
Hank Mooney, Daily Oklahoman
BASKETBALL \ COLLEGE \ O U \ 1968: UNKNOWN: Caption reads, Missouri’s John Brown, right, gets a step on Oklahoma’s Alvan Adams. Staff Photo by Hank Mooney. Original Photo 02/05/1973. Published on O-2-6-73.
Hank Mooney, Daily Oklahoman
BASKETBALL / OU /1969-73: UNKNOWN: Caption reads, It plays like this by OU center Alvan Adams that enabled Oklahoma to overcome a 15-point deficit and defeat Oklahoma State. Staff Photo by Jim Argo. Original Photo 02/10/1973. Published on O-2-11-73.
Jim Argo, Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma Sooners forward Alvan Adams dunks against Iowa State on March 5, 1974.
J. Pat Carter/The Oklahoman
Alvan Adams in introduced during a break in action during the University of Oklahoma Sooner (OU) men’s college basketball Alumni Game at the Sixth Annual Sooner Family Weekend at The Lloyd Noble Center on Aug. 27, 2016 in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
All American and 2000 plus scorers are introduced as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) basketball alumni play at The Lloyd Noble Center on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013 in Norman, Okla. Left to right are Harvey Grant, Darryl “Choo” Kennedy, Stacey King, Alvan Adams, William Tisdale (representing his deceased brother Wayman), Blake Griffin, Jane Lane Warner (representing her husband Lester Lane), Eduardo Najera, and Hollis Price. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
Blake Griffin shakes hands with Alvan Adams as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) basketball alumni play at The Lloyd Noble Center on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013 in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
Alvan Adams was the fourth pick in the 1975 draft and won Rookie of the Year. He played all 13 of his NBA seasons with the team and led the Suns to their first appearance in the NBA Finals.
The Republic
Dec, 1977; Phoenix, AZ, USA, FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Suns center Alvan Adams (33) in action against the Boston Celtics. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Malcolm Emmons, Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: Former Suns player Alvan Adams is introduced to the new Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor during the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Christian Petersen, Getty Images
Unknown date; Dallas, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Mavericks center Alvan Adams (33) and Phoenix Suns guard Kelvin Ransey (14) at Reunion Arena. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Manny Rubio-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE
Dec, 1977; Boston, MA, USA, FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Suns center Alvan Adams (33) in action against the Boston Celtics. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Malcolm Emmons, Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Former Phoenix Suns center Alvan Adams browses the silent auction before the Crest Insurance Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on April 10, 2025, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.
Evan Barcanic/The Republic
Phoenix Suns Alvan Adams 10/16/1979 Photo by Gary Ulik/ The Phoenix Gazette (Via MerlinFTP Drop)
Gary Ulik, The Phoenix Gazette
Phoenix Suns Alvan Adams 5/10/1987 Photo by Rick Giase/The Phoenix Gazette (Via MerlinFTP Drop)
Rick Giase, The Phoenix Gazette
2/11/1979 – Phoenix Suns Alvan Adams ascends for two of his 18 points Sunday as the Phoenix Suns whipped Cleveland, 136-101, in the NBA. Cleveland’s Jim Chones admires Adams’ form. Photo by Melissa James/The Arizona Republic (Via MerlinFTP Drop)
Melissa James, The Arizona Republic
Alvan Adams (33) played 13 seasons for the Phoenix Suns. He is their third all-time leading scorer.
Phoenix Suns Photo
Suns star Alvan Adams with long-time head athletic trainer Joe Proski.
Courtesy Of Phoenix Suns
Alvan Adams boxes out during the NBA Finals against the Celtics.
Courtesy Of Phoenix Suns