Eddie Lee Wilkins (born May 7, 1962) is an American former basketball player. A 6'10" forward/center[2] from Gardner-Webb University, Wilkins played professionally for nine seasons in Italy, Spain and the United States, include six seasons in the NBA for the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 7, 1962 Cartersville, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Cass (Cartersville, Georgia) |
| College | Gardner–Webb (1980–1984) |
| NBA draft | 1984: 6th round, 133rd overall pick |
| Selected by the New York Knicks | |
| Playing career | 1984–1993 |
| Position | Power forward / center |
| Number | 21, 45, 55 |
| Career history | |
| 1984–1985 | New York Knicks |
| 1985 | Connecticut Colonials |
| 1986 | Westchester Golden Apples |
| 1986 | Valladolid |
| 1986 | Rockford Lightning |
| 1987 | New York Knicks |
| 1987 | Staten Island Stallions |
| 1987–1988 | Savannah Spirits |
| 1988 | Quad City Thunder |
| 1988 | Jersey Shore Bucs |
| 1988–1991 | New York Knicks |
| 1991–1992 | Ranger Varese |
| 1992–1993 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Early life
editWilkins graduated from Cass High School in Cartersville, Georgia.
College career
editWilkins played college basketball at Gardner-Webb University where he averaged 18.7 points during his career. During his junior season, he averaged 24.8 points per game.[3] In 1991, he was inducted into Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame.[4]
Professional career
editFollowing his college career, Wilkins was selected by the New York Knicks in the sixth round (133rd pick overall) of the 1984 NBA draft. In his debut, he scored an NBA career high 24 points.[5] During his rookie season, he averaged 5.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He missed the entire 1985–1986 season with torn knee ligaments.[3]
Wilkins started the 1986–1987 season with Valladolid in Spain where he averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds before returning to the United States and signing with Rockford Lightning. In February 1987, he signed back with the Knicks.[6]
On November 15, 1990, he scored 20 points in 20 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers.[7]
When Pat Riley came to New York, Wilkins was released. He spent the 1991–92 season in Italy with Ranger Varese before returning to the NBA the next season, signing a 2-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.[8] Towards the end of the 1992–93 season, on April 15, 1993, the Sixers were playing the Orlando Magic, who were led by rookie Shaquille O'Neal. On a rebound attempt, Wilkins and O'Neal collided and became entangled. Wilkins tore his achilles tendon, missing the remainder of the season. His career was effectively ended.[9]
In his NBA career, Wilkins played in 322 games[10] and scored a total of 1,534 points.
Personal life
edit
His youngest son Evan Wilkins, better known by his stage name Ev Young is a singer-songwriter.[citation needed]
In 1989, he established the Eddie Lee Wilkins Foundation, which later became the Eddie Lee Wilkins Youth Association. With the help of program director David Archer Jr., Wilkins and the association began providing athletic and social intervention activities for youth in the Cartersville and North Georgia area. Wilkins currently runs a youth basketball league in Smyrna, Georgia for youth boys ages 4 – 6.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "CBA all-stars". USA Today. January 22, 1988. p. 5C. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
- ^ Curtis G. Bunn (October 13, 1989). "Eddie Lee: Good grades for passing". Newsday. p. 163. Retrieved May 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "The Wilkins file". Newsday. February 23, 1987. p. 86. Retrieved May 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Eddie Lee Wilkins (1991) – Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame". gwusports.com. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
- ^ Dick Young (October 29, 1984). "Newest Knicks show knack for winning". The Record. p. 49. Retrieved May 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Gary Binford (February 23, 1987). "Wilkins enjoys second time around". Newsday. p. 84. Retrieved May 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Steve Adamek (November 21, 1990). "Knicks combinations unlocking victories". The Record. p. E3. Retrieved May 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Phil Jasner (October 14, 1992). "Sixers sign Eddie Wilkins for 2 years". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 68. Retrieved May 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Injury may end Wilkins' career". The Park City Daily News. Associated Press. April 18, 1993. p. 5B. Retrieved June 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Bret McCormick (February 21, 2018). "Eddie Lee Wilkins (1980–84)". The Herald. p. B2. Retrieved May 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
