Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, McAdoo attended Norfolk Christian High School.
As a junior in 2009–10, he averaged 22.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, and as a senior in 2010–11, he averaged 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
He led Norfolk Christian to consecutive state championships and earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Virginia in 2010 and 2011.
During his career, he earned USA Today first team and Parade All-American third team honors, as well as earning co-Most Valuable Player honors at both the McDonald's All-America Game (17 points) in Chicago and the Jordan Brand Classic (26 points, 14 rebounds) in Charlotte.

In September 2009, McAdoo committed to the University of North Carolina.
After Travis and David Wear transferred from UNC, McAdoo considered graduating a year early so he could join the Tar Heels in 2010, but he ultimately decided to stay at Norfolk Christian through his senior year.

He was rated as the #4 player in the class of 2011 by Scout.com, the #6 player in the ESPNU 100, and the #8 player by Rivals.com.
Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, McAdoo attended Norfolk Christian High School. As a junior in 2009–10, he averaged 22.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, and as a senior in 2010–11, he averaged 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He led Norfolk Christian to consecutive state championships and earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Virginia in 2010 and 2011. During his career, he earned USA Today first team and Parade All-American third team honors, as well as earning co-Most Valuable Player honors at both the McDonald's All-America Game (17 points) in Chicago and the Jordan Brand Classic (26 points, 14 rebounds) in Charlotte.
In September 2009, McAdoo committed to the University of North Carolina. After Travis and David Wear transferred from UNC, McAdoo considered graduating a year early so he could join the Tar Heels in 2010, but he ultimately decided to stay at Norfolk Christian through his senior year.
He was rated as the #4 player in the class of 2011 by Scout.com, the #6 player in the ESPNU 100, and the #8 player by Rivals.com.
James Michael McAdoo