7-foot phenom joins Notre Dame Prep

FITCHBURG — He’s a basketball phenom. He plays guitar exceptionally. Billiards aren’t a challenge.

So begins the mythology of Steven Adams.

Notre Dame Prep head coach Ryan Hurd said in his five years at the South Street prep school he hasn’t seen anyone with the athletic gifts possessed by the 18-year-old Adams, who he compares to a certain beer spokesman.

“He’s like the Dos Equis guy, the most interesting man in the world,” Hurd said prior to Friday’s practice. “He runs through a whole practice yesterday and after practice he’s playing ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ on guitar. He gets done that and casually banks a pool ball in on our table. He does it all. He’s the real deal.”

It’s safe to say that Fitchburg has rarely seen a player the likes of Adams, who Hurd said is 6-foot-11.75 barefoot and has a chiseled physique. The New Zealand native has already committed to attend the University of Pittsburgh, but for now, his talents are with the Crusaders and will be on display tonight in Boston as the Notre Dame faces Tilton Academy.

“I’m ready to play. A little nervous, but I want to play,” Adams said. “I pride myself on having a complete game.”

Hurd, like many others, is looking forward to seeing what Adams — projected to be a top-three pick in the 2013 NBA draft should he choose to enter it — can do against top-tier prep school competition.

“He’s the reason we decided that we waited on getting a big man until December,” the coach said. “We knew what we were getting and so far he’s delivered.

Don’t expect to see a big man who just clogs the paint and lacks mobility. Hurd says Adams’ complete skill set is what has him projected as a top pro prospect.

“He does a little bit of everything and that’s why people are intrigued by him,” Hurd said. “He’s not just big, he can step out and shoot, dunk with guys hanging all over him. … He does it all.”

Adams said he’s adjusting well to being half a world away from home, and is getting along well with his new teammates.

“A lot of people have helped me get comfortable here,” he said. “Now I’m looking forward to playing a game with these guys.”

For fans hoping to get a look at what Adams can do, ESPN will offer a glimpse, airing Sunday’s Notre Dame game against New Hampton Prep at 6 p.m. online on ESPN3.