Women's Basketball
- Title:
- Associate Coach
- Email:
- adkinsd@uw.edu
David Adkins serves as an associate coach for the Washington women’s basketball team. He will enter his second season with the Huskies in 2025-26.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Adkins helped the Huskies return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017. His scouting insights supported a successful transition into the Big Ten conference, with Washington earning its most conference wins in eight years. Additionally, Adkins’ guidance in player development contributed to the Huskies finishing first in the Big Ten in field goal percentage (49.3%), 3-point percentage (40.1%), and free throw percentage (83.6%) during conference play.
Adkins also assisted with recruiting operations for the Huskies, helping land the No. 14 recruiting class in 2025, per ESPN’s rankings. Notably, this class included the commitment of five-star Brynn McGaughy, the highest-ranked recruit in Washington history. Off the court, the Huskies maintained their academic excellence, averaging a 3.43 GPA during the season and earning their fourth consecutive perfect Academic Progress Rating from the NCAA — a mark tied for the highest among Big Ten programs.
Prior to his appointment at Washington, Adkins served as the Director of Player Development for the Denver Nuggets and their NBA G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, during the 2023-24 season. His NBA tenure also included pivotal roles with the Portland Trail Blazers (2022-23) and the Washington Wizards (2014-2021). In Washington, he was instrumental in the growth of Bradley Beal, of the NBA's top scorers, and John Wall, a multiple-time All-Star. His ability to nurture talent at the highest level of basketball is a testament to his coaching acumen and dedication.
Adkins also made significant contributions as the Assistant Player Development Coach for the Los Angeles Clippers and as the top Assistant Coach for the Ontario Clippers in the G League during the 2021-22 season. Over the course of his NBA career, he has worked with elite talents including Kevin Durant, Victor Oladipo, and Damian Lillard.
Before his NBA career, Adkins served alongside Head Coach Tina Langley at the University of Maryland from 2009 to 2014. His contributions helped lead the Terrapins to a 130-38 record, an NCAA Final Four appearance, and multiple top-four ACC finishes. His tenure at Maryland was marked by his ability to help transform talented recruits into elite athletes, allowing the Terrapins to maintain a competitive edge in the ACC and national stage.
Adkins' high school coaching career laid a strong foundation for later success. At DeMatha Catholic High School (2006-09) and Montrose Christian High School (1999-2006), he built a reputation for his ability to develop talent. At Montrose Christian, Adkins was instrumental in the development of Durant, who became an NBA MVP and multiple-time champion. His tenure at these schools saw the teams achieve remarkable success, including multiple city and conference titles. Adkins also contributed to Team USA's coaching staff, serving as an assistant coach at the 2006 19-U Nike World Championships and during the 2007 Capital Classic.
Adkins' approach to coaching is deeply rooted in his experience as a player. He played basketball at Radford University and is a native of Leesburg, Va., where his wife, Janet, resides. He is a proud father of two daughters, Camryn and Ryland.
