Hall of Fame
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Adrian was raised, along with two younger sisters, in a single parent home by his mother, Melba Nichols. A truly inspiratonal life story, Adrian states, "My mother is my hero because she had to work two and sometimes three jobs and never complained". His mother would later marry Robert Nichols, Adrian's only positive father figure to whom he gives much credit. Although random in "pick up" games until a friend wagered a bet that he could not make the high school team early in his senior year. Not only did he make the team, but that was his only year he would play organized basketball before heavily recruited by several small colleges and deciding to use his talents locally at Chattanooga State Community College, from 1978-1980. Coach Randy Vernon and Cumberland were in pursuit along with many small senior colleges and upon visiting the campus Adrian was drawn to the atmosphere and to Coach Vernon's honesty, humor, and desire to win. During his first season at Cumberland, Adrian averaged 13.7 points per game, six rebounds and amassed 112 assists. He improved dramatically during his senior year by averaging 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 71 assists per game among a talented team of players. Adrian had a few tryouts for semi-pro basketball teams before returning to Chattanooga in 1984 to work as a production manager for DuPont nearly three years. For the past nineteen years Hayes has worked for the City of Chattanooga Parks and Recretion and is currently Program Coordinator. In this capacity, he is able to provide a positive impact on the youth of the community, a goal that lives on in his daily life. Adrian married his wife, Greta, in 2002 and they have two daughters, madison, 4, and McKenna, 2. In his spare time he enjoys playing softball and spending time with his family.
