Brandon Adair, a 2007 graduate, is a Virginia Wesleyan basketball staple. One of two men’s basketball players to have his jersey retired, Adair is the school’s all-time leading scorer, the 2006 Division III Player of the Year and a member of the 2006 National Championship team. Now, he earned a full-time contract as an NBA referee – the highest level of refereeing in basketball.
Adair said his time at VWU played a key role in who he is today. When looking back at his time at Virginia Wesleyan, Adair had high praise for Marlins head coach Dave Macedo. “It wasn’t just my time at Virginia Wesleyan, it still continues to this day. My relationship with coach Macedo is still going 16 years later. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” Adair said.
Coach Macedo echoed similar sentiments about Adair. “Our relationship is great, players like him have provided me with a lifetime of memories. He actually just gave me his first NBA jersey the other day,” Macedo said.
Adair produced one of the best careers of any athlete in school history. Some of these accomplishments include being VWU’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, a five time All-American, the 2006 NCAA Division III national player of the year, winning the 2006 national championship and being inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 2013. Coach Macedo knew early on that Adair would be a special player.
“Brandon was special since the moment I met him. I knew he was a difference maker from day one. He elevated our program to an elite level and helped us maintain a high level of consistency that we still try to maintain today,” Macedo said.
Current members of the basketball team offered the same type of admiration. “It’s awesome seeing Brandon’s success. Knowing that I’m in the same program that he helped to build is a cool feeling. I’m honored to have to opportunity to thrive in the culture here,” junior player Taylor Major said.
Adair’s favorite memories from VWU went beyond just winning the National Championship. He recalls, “building the best friendships with my teammates who I call family to this day.” The National Championship team has remained close, even though it’s been more than a decade since their time together at Virginia Wesleyan.
Since graduation, Adair had a long road to get to where he is today. “When I left college, I never expected to become a referee. I played professionally for 2 years. Tried the coaching route. I didn’t want to get away from the game of basketball, so becoming a referee was the next option. Started officiating junior varsity girls, then worked my way up by attending camps in the offseason. It went from being an avocation to vocation,” Adair said.
With the NBA season just underway, Adair’s schedule will become much busier. “Let’s just say I’ll be traveling a lot,” Adair said. During the 82-game NBA regular season that began Oct. 16, and ends mid-April, Adair will be travelling to a different city every other day.
Adair is excited for his new role this NBA season. “To continue working on my craft. Being able to learn something new every time I step on the court is what is most exciting,” Adair said.
For those who are NBA fans, be on the lookout for Marlin alumnus Brandon Adair, as he now referees at the highest level of basketball.
Jordan Esposito
jmesposito@vwu.edu
