Eddie Lee Wilkins
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 in six NBA seasons 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.com | |
Early life
Wilkins graduated from Cass High School in Cartersville, Georgia.
College career
Wilkins 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
Following 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 went to Italy for one season (1991–92, joining 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
His youngest son Evan Wilkins, better known by his stage name Ev Young is a singer-songwriter.
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.
References
- "CBA all-stars". USA Today. January 22, 1988. p. 5C. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
- Curtis G. Bunn (13 October 1989). "Eddie Lee: Good grades for passing". Newsday. p. 163. Retrieved 29 May 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- "The Wilkins file". Newsday. 23 February 1987. p. 86. Retrieved 29 May 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Eddie Lee Wilkins (1991) - Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame". gwusports.com. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- Dick Young (29 October 1984). "Newest Knicks show knack for winning". The Record. p. 49. Retrieved 29 May 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- Gary Binford (23 February 1987). "Wilkins enjoys second time around". Newsday. p. 84. Retrieved 29 May 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- Steve Adamek (21 November 1990). "Knicks combinations unlocking victories". The Record. p. E3. Retrieved 29 May 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- Phil Jasner (14 October 1992). "Sixers sign Eddie Wilkins for 2 years". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 68. Retrieved 29 May 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Injury may end Wilkins' career". The Park City Daily News. Associated Press. 18 April 1993. p. 5B. Retrieved 19 June 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- Bret McCormick (21 February 2018). "Eddie Lee Wilkins (1980-84)". The Herald. p. B2. Retrieved 29 May 2023 – via Newspapers.com.