The real names of our beloved “Human Highlight Film”, Dominique Jacques Wilkins, already advertized his natal French flavor. He was born in Paris, France, (where his father was serving as an on-tour Air Force officer), on the 12th day of January 1960.

Few years later, ‘Nique (as he was also known), would return with his family to the U.S. He was an easy-going kid, who was also blessed with rapid growth. High School education would later take him to Washington, North Carolina, where his initial interest in basketball received significant boosts.

 Some years later, he would attend college at Georgia (where his graceful aerial maneuvers first earned him the “Human Highlight Film” nickname). Obviously a greater-tomorrow, both Dom and coaches worked hard to polish his natural skills. He would learn quickly and subsequently mutated into one of the games most entertaining players—even before an NBA draft. ‘Nique always kept his college audience frolicking each night: an attribute, which would later propel him in the NBA arena.

Dominique Wilkins’ NBA ambitions took him around the country. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1982 as the third overall pick. However, he showed predilection for Atlanta Hawks, and the draft rights was traded to Hawks on September 2, that same year. In February 1994 he joined the L.A. Clippers; but opted for Boston Celtics six months later. He would proceed to San Antonio Spurs in October 1996. And finally, the 6’8” 230lbs Forward joined Orlando Magic in February 1999. His post-NBA adventures took him to Europe, where he won the European Championship and emerged as an overall MVP in the process. He played mostly in Greece and Italy during that period.

Some of his accomplishments and professional statistics are as follows:

1.      3rd overall draft (by Utah Jazz 1982)

2.      All-NBA Rookie Team (1983)

3.      2-time Slam Dunk Champion (1985 and 1990)

4.      NBA Scoring Champion (1986 with average of 30.3ppg)

5.      Averaged 25.9ppg for 10 consecutive seasons (1985-94)

6.      9-time NBA All-Star Selections (1986-94 consecutive years)

7.      All-NBA First Team (1986)

8.      4-time All-NBA Second Team (1987, ’88, ’91, and ‘93)

9.      2-time All-NBA Third Team (1989 and 1994)

Although ‘Nique’s emphatic dribbles, acrobatic ascents, and reel dunks are often likened to “Dr. J’s”, his career as a whole is frequently compared to that of ex-Spurs George Gervin’s. But whatever the argument, most of Dominique’s athletic finesse and court accomplishments can never be quantified using numerical statistics. They remain memorable; and even go to affirm that: Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder. ‘Nique’s games were as handsome as they were awesome. And, both friends and foes acknowledge that. His NBA career 25.8ppg, 6.8rpg, and 2.6apg produced an illustrious 26,534 scored points, which is among the top ten in the history of the league.

Dominique remains the Atlanta Hawks’ all-time leader in both scoring and steals. He also holds the NBA record for most single-game Free Throws scored without any miss (23 FTs against no less a team than Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls—on December 8, 1992).

In his prime, Dominique was larger than life. Higher than a high flying movie! His pro games were entertainment extraordinaire. Perhaps, that was one thing that prompted the erstwhile Hawks general manager, Stan Kasten, to comment thus: “Dominique has the ability to make the whole building catch its breath.” Indeed, he has. His electrifying skills have since proven that.

He retired in 1999, and an indebted Atlanta Hawks retired his famous number 21 pro jersey: as a way of paying tribute.


VALENTINE ODUENYI.