Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins is making a huge HBCU move ahead of the basketball season. Wilkins has been named Alabama State's new general manager for the men's basketball program, making him the latest former NBA player to take on executive leadership in HBCU athletics.
“To be at a place like Alabama State University is exciting; it's a new challenge,” Wilkins said in a statement. “The programs are trending upward, so it's an exciting time to join them and accelerate the growth.”
Alabama State Athletic Director, Alabama State Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Jason Cable, also spoke about the significance of the hire in a statement.
Article Continues Below“Wilkins' impact extends well beyond his Hall of Fame playing career. After leaving the court, he built an equally distinguished career as a professional, and he embodies the very attributes we hope our student-athletes will carry with them: excellence, integrity, and a commitment to others. His passion for educating young people, his knowledge and experience in basketball at the highest level, and his genuine willingness to give back make him ideal for our program. We are proud to welcome him to the Hornet family.”
Alabama State's statement regarding the hire also explains why they decided to make a general manager position. The statement by University Athletic Communications says that the creation of the position reveals the program's approach to the “changing business of college sports.” They also see the general manager position as a way to help with several facets of the program, including recruiting, development, and student-athlete retention.