Dominique Wilkins: The Human Highlight Film
For 15 seasons, Dominique Wilkins, famously known as “The Human Highlight Film,” graced the basketball court with unparalleled athleticism and relentless determination. With gravity-defying hops and an arsenal of moves that left defenders in his wake, Wilkins was more than just a player; he was a spectacle, captivating audiences with every possession.
His journey to basketball stardom began in North Carolina, where Wilkins honed his skills under the guidance of his high school coach. It was here that he learned the values of self-confidence, perseverance, and discipline, qualities that would define his illustrious career. He burst onto the national scene at the University of Georgia, earning the “Human Highlight Film” moniker for his jaw-dropping plays and dominant performances. Despite leaving college after his junior year, Wilkins left an indelible mark, still holding the single-season scoring record for the Bulldogs.
Selected third overall by the Utah Jazz in the 1982 NBA draft, Wilkins found his true home with the Atlanta Hawks after a trade that would go down in history as one of the most lopsided deals in NBA history. In Atlanta, Wilkins became a legend, captivating fans with his high-flying dunks and acrobatic scoring. Wilkins amassed an impressive list of accolades throughout his career, including nine NBA All-Star appearances and two NBA Slam Dunk contest victories. His scoring prowess was unmatched, evidenced by his ten consecutive seasons averaging over 25 points per game and a scoring title in 1985–86. However, Wilkins’s journey was not without adversity. In 1992, a ruptured Achilles tendon threatened to derail his career. Still, through sheer determination and resilience, Wilkins made a triumphant comeback, proving his critics wrong and showcasing his unwavering love for the game.
Off the court, Wilkins’s impact extended beyond basketball, as he became a symbol of perseverance and inspiration for generations to come. His commitment to hard work, dedication, and integrity served as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes worldwide. Today, Dominique Wilkins stands as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his legacy is immortalized in the annals of NBA history. From his iconic dunks to his unmatched scoring ability, Wilkins’s impact on the game will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of basketball fans everywhere.
Q, What motivated you to pursue basketball, and how did you develop your skills during your youth?
A. Growing up in Baltimore, basketball and track were the two most popular sports. I started out in track and field, but a playground legend in my neighborhood saw something in me. He said, ‘I want you to come to the Boys Club every day, and I’m going to teach you to play the game of basketball. That’s how it all started for me.
Q. Do you believe it is necessary for a young basketball player to join an AAU team? Does it increase their chances of being recruited by a college coach? Or should the focus be on gaining as much playing time and exposure as possible on a high school basketball team?
A. I’m not a big fan of AAU. A lot of times, it teaches individualism instead of team concepts. Being a part of a school system, particularly high school, you can learn those skills even before you get to high school. I think high school is a very important time to learn the fundamentals instead of what you see all the time, which is the showmanship of the game. So, I think you become more fundamentally sound in a basketball high school system.
Q. What can a young player who wants to play college basketball but has limited playing time at his high school do to be recruited?
A. One thing that AAU does is get recognition for kids who don’t get the opportunity at that next level. You have to find some kind of opportunity and outlet that will give you a chance to get exposed.
Q. How did your college basketball career shape your path to the NBA?
A. My high school coach started my path to the NBA. Then, I was fortunate to have a great coach in college, too, Hugh Durham, who prepared me for the pros after my first year. Mentally, I wasn’t ready for the pros. I wanted to stay in college and play for a few more years. He said to me, “Hey, there’s nothing more you can do here.”
Q. In your career, you were known for your acrobatic slam dunks. How do you think the art of dunking has evolved in today’s NBA?
A. I don’t know that it has evolved, but it’s always going to be a part of the game, and it’s always going to give you an edge to motivate the crowd and your team. It’s always going to be a motivator. That will always be one constant in this league.
Q. Your entry into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 acknowledges your collegiate contributions. How does this recognition complement your NBA legacy?
A. It shows you your impact in college. To be recognized in the College Basketball Hall of Fame is unbelievable. You’re talking about 300-some colleges in this country, and to be recognized as one of the greatest college players ever speaks for itself. I’m very proud of that.
Q. Speaking of legacy, your son, Jacob Wilkins, committed to playing at your alma mater, the University of Georgia Bulldogs. How does it feel to see the next generation following in your basketball footsteps?
A. I’m probably more excited than he is. It was all his choice. It was nothing I pushed on him. I wanted my son to make his own decisions and to be happy with that decision. He said, “Dad, I just want to go to school where my dad went. I went to Virginia and other schools for a visit, but I want to represent the name Wilkins.” I was like, “Wow,” so that’s how that happened.
Q. What impact do you hope to have on the Atlanta Hawks’ future and the development of young talents like Trae Young?
A. I love this organization. Everyone knows how I feel about this organization. And I love the players. I get giddy when guys like Trae, Dejounte, Onyeka, Hunter, Johnson, and Capela connect with me. I have a relationship with these guys and money can’t buy that.
Q. Your philanthropic efforts are well-known, particularly being named the Diabetes Ambassador for the state of Georgia in 2010. How do you use your platform to raise awareness and advocate for diabetes-related causes?
A. I’m very involved in health care, period. I’ve gotten even more locally involved with WellStar Hospital on diet, exercise, and medication. Not just diabetes but also heart disease, lung disease, and asthma—all these different things that people are affected by. I’ve been involved in that for many, many years. It was kind of a calling for me.
Q. As a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame, how important is it for you to contribute to the community and youth development?
A. I grew up in a Boys and Girls Club, though back then it was called Boys Club. For me, it’s just an obligation for what I learned at the Boys and Girls Club I grew up going to in Baltimore. It gives me a platform where I can motivate and push others to be a part of it. First of all, it’s a safe haven for our children.
Q. You have a documentary aimed at being released in time for the 2024 NBA season. What significance does this timing hold for you, and what do you hope the audience gains from the film
A. The documentary will heat up this summer as we start more interviews and the history of my life from Baltimore to now. It’s going to be really exciting. The company Versus, which I partner with, has done a nice job putting all of this together. I’m excited about what the outcome will look like.
What I hope to get out of it is that people will see the man more so than the basketball player. I tell people all the time, “I feel like I won a championship.” The life I’ve been able to live was my championship. That’s what I want people to see.
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