Eddie Lee Wilkins facts for kids
| No. 21, 45, 55 | |
|---|---|
| Power forward / center | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | May 7, 1962 Cartersville, Georgia, U.S. |
| High school | Cass (Cartersville, Georgia) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Gardner–Webb (1980–1984) |
| NBA Draft | 1984 / Round: 6 / Pick: 133rd overall |
| Selected by the New York Knicks | |
| Pro career | 1984–1993 |
| 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 | |
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Eddie Lee Wilkins (born May 7, 1962) is a retired American basketball player. Standing tall at 6 feet 10 inches, he played as a power forward and a center. These positions are usually for the tallest players on the team who play close to the basket.
Wilkins played college basketball for the Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs. He then had a nine-year professional career. He played in the NBA for the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, and also played on teams in Italy and Spain.
Contents
From High School to College Star
Eddie Lee Wilkins grew up in Cartersville, Georgia, where he went to Cass High School.
After graduating, he played college basketball at Gardner-Webb University. He was a fantastic scorer, averaging 18.7 points per game over his four years there. In his third year, he had an amazing season, scoring an average of 24.8 points per game. Because of his great college career, he was added to the Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.
A Career in Professional Basketball
Joining the NBA
After college, Wilkins entered the 1984 NBA draft. The New York Knicks chose him in the sixth round. In his very first NBA game, he scored 24 points, which was the highest single-game score of his NBA career. In his first season, he averaged 5.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
Sadly, Wilkins had to sit out the entire 1985–1986 season because he tore ligaments in his knee.
Playing Around the World
After his injury, Wilkins's career took him to different teams and leagues. He started the 1986–1987 season playing for a team in Valladolid, Spain. There, he played very well, averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds.
He then returned to the U.S. and played for the Rockford Lightning. In February 1987, he got another chance to play in the NBA when he signed again with the New York Knicks. On November 15, 1990, he had a great game, scoring 20 points in just 20 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers.
An Unfortunate End to His Career
When Pat Riley became the new coach for the Knicks, Wilkins was let go from the team. He spent the next season playing in Italy. He returned to the NBA the following year, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.
On April 15, 1993, the 76ers were playing against the Orlando Magic and their famous rookie player, Shaquille O'Neal. While trying to get a rebound, Wilkins and O'Neal bumped into each other. Wilkins tore his achilles tendon, a very serious injury. This injury ended his season and, unfortunately, his professional basketball career.
Over his six seasons in the NBA, Wilkins played in 322 games and scored a total of 1,534 points.
Life After Basketball
Wilkins has a son named Evan Wilkins, who is a singer-songwriter known by the stage name Ev Young.
In 1989, Wilkins started a foundation to help young people. It is now called the Eddie Lee Wilkins Youth Association. The association provides sports and other activities for kids in Cartersville and the North Georgia area. Today, Wilkins continues to help his community by running a youth basketball league for young boys in Smyrna, Georgia.
See also
In Spanish: Eddie Wilkins para niños
