The college athletics’ landscape is constantly changing. To succeed these days, you need a combination of big names and competent leadership. Alabama State just found both in one foul swoop.
Tuesday night, the Alabama State Hornets announced NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins as the general manager of their men’s basketball program. The move accompanies the transition from head coach Tony Madlock to Chris Wright this offseason.
“Wilkins will work with Alabama State’s athletics administration and basketball coaching staff on strategic initiatives in fundraising, donor engagement, [NIL] partnerships, revenue sharing, roster planning, and student-athlete development,” the university said in its press release. “As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to evolve… Wilkins will provide valuable insight, leadership, and relationships to help strengthen the Hornets’ competitive position on and off the court.
Wilkins spent his three-year collegiate basketball career (1980-82) at Georgia. The three-time All-SEC player and 1981 SEC Tournament MVP posted 21.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game with the Bulldogs and was drafted No. 3 overall by the Utah Jazz in the 1982 NBA Draft. Disagreement on the position he’d play in the Association led the Jazz to trade him to the Atlanta Hawks before he ever took the court. Wilkins flourished in Atlanta, making nine All-Star teams and earning seven All-NBA nods.
“To be at a place like Alabama State University is exciting; it’s a new challenge,” Wilkins said. “The programs are trending upward, so it’s an exciting time to join them and accelerate the growth.”
The Hornets begin their season against the Texas A&M Aggies on Nov. 3.
