Dominique Wilkins, the son of Hawks great Jacob Wilkins, discusses paving his own way and securing his future at UGA

In the world of sports, it is common for talented athletes to follow in the footsteps of their family members who have already left a significant mark on their respective sports. However, for Dominique Wilkins, the son of Atlanta Hawks legend Jacob “Jake” Wilkins, carving out his own path has been of paramount importance. Though born into a family with a rich legacy of basketball greatness, Dominique is determined to make a name for himself, not just by being the son of an iconic figure, but through his hard work, commitment, and skills on the court.

At just 18 years old, Dominique Wilkins is already setting his own course, demonstrating that his success in basketball will be based on his merit and ability to create a unique identity. Now committed to playing basketball at the University of Georgia (UGA), Dominique’s future is beginning to take shape, and he is excited about the next chapter in his basketball journey.

In an era where athletes often carry the weight of familial expectations, Dominique has made it clear that while he deeply respects the legacy of his father, his primary focus is on his personal growth as a player and the opportunities that lie ahead. For Dominique, the decision to commit to UGA is an important step in securing not only his future in basketball but his overall development as a young man striving to succeed on his own terms.

A Legacy to Live Up To

Jacob Wilkins, Dominique’s father, is a well-known name in Atlanta basketball circles, having achieved fame as a talented and respected player for the Atlanta Hawks. A skilled shooting guard and small forward, Jake was known for his scoring ability, basketball IQ, and leadership both on and off the court. With a successful career in the NBA and later as a sports broadcaster, Jake Wilkins became a beloved figure in the Atlanta sports community.

For Dominique, growing up with such a prominent figure as his father was both a blessing and a challenge. While Jake Wilkins undoubtedly served as an inspiration and role model, Dominique was aware from a young age that comparisons to his father would come naturally. Despite being surrounded by the bright lights of his father’s legacy, Dominique was determined not to be defined by it.

“I always knew people would see me as the son of Jacob Wilkins,” Dominique reflects. “But from a young age, I decided I wanted to create my own identity. My dad has done so much for this community, and I respect everything he’s accomplished. But when I step on the court, I want people to see me for my game and not just for who my dad is. It’s important to me to carve my own path.”

This mindset is one that has served Dominique well in his journey to basketball success. Rather than lean solely on the name recognition of his father, he has focused on developing his own game and proving that he belongs in the upper echelon of young basketball talent.

The Road to UGA: A Personal Journey

Growing up in Atlanta, Dominique was immersed in basketball from a young age. His father’s ties to the game allowed Dominique access to a wealth of knowledge, but it also placed an immense amount of pressure on him. While many would view this pressure as a burden, Dominique took it as a challenge to push himself to be better and to make the most of his opportunities.

Dominique played throughout his youth and high school years in Georgia, a state that has produced some of the best talent in high school basketball. He attended several high-profile showcases, competing against some of the best players in the country, and quickly earned a reputation as a standout guard with a versatile skill set. His ability to score in multiple ways—whether it be through quick drives to the basket or spot-up shooting—set him apart from others in his class.

Throughout his high school career, Dominique also showed a level of maturity beyond his years. He consistently demonstrated leadership on and off the court, helping his teams to significant wins while remaining focused on his academics. This commitment to being well-rounded—both as an athlete and a student—was something that became even more evident as Dominique received interest from top collegiate programs across the country.

However, it wasn’t just basketball talent that drew attention to Dominique—it was also his character. Coaches, scouts, and recruiters quickly noticed his humility and self-awareness, traits that many young athletes struggle with in an environment that often rewards ego and self-promotion. For Dominique, maintaining a humble attitude while embracing his competitive spirit has been central to his success.

“Basketball is a big part of who I am, but it’s not everything,” he says. “I believe in hard work and being a good person. I want to be known not just for what I do on the court but for the kind of person I am off the court. That’s something I’ve learned from my dad—how to be a leader in the community and how to give back.”

Why UGA? A Place to Grow

As Dominique entered his senior year of high school, the time had come for him to make a decision about his future. Despite the allure of playing for several major programs across the country, Dominique felt a strong connection to the University of Georgia (UGA). It was more than just a local choice—it was a place where he felt he could grow both as a player and as an individual.

“There were a lot of great schools that showed interest in me, but UGA felt like the right place. The coaching staff at Georgia really understood my vision for the future, and they emphasized that they would help me grow as a player, not just in terms of my skills but also as a leader. I really liked the idea of being part of a program that not only has a rich history but also has a vision for the future,” Dominique explains.

UGA’s basketball program, under the leadership of head coach Mike White, has been on the rise in recent years. White has been building a foundation of talent and has recruited a solid mix of players with potential to take Georgia’s program to new heights. For Dominique, playing for a team that is in the process of building something special was appealing. He understood that while the team may not be an immediate powerhouse, his presence could help elevate Georgia’s program and bring it closer to its potential.

Moreover, Dominique valued the balance between athletics and academics that UGA offered. As someone who was not only focused on his basketball career but also on his future beyond the court, UGA’s strong academic reputation played an essential role in his decision-making process. He knew that a degree from Georgia would help provide security for his future, whether he pursued a career in basketball or something else down the line.

“My education is something that’s always been important to me,” Dominique says. “Basketball isn’t going to last forever, and I want to set myself up for success both on and off the court. UGA gives me that opportunity to grow in both areas. The relationships I’ve built with the coaches and the academic staff have been a big part of my decision.”

The Road Ahead: Paving His Own Path

As Dominique prepares for his freshman season at UGA, he is eager to begin his college basketball journey. But he knows that success at this level won’t come easily. College basketball is a big jump from high school, and Dominique is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“I know there’s a lot of work to do,” he says. “I’m not taking anything for granted. I’ve worked hard to get here, but I know there’s a whole new level of competition at the collegiate level. I’m ready to put in the work to get better every day. I want to contribute to the team and help us win games, but I also want to continue to grow as a player.”

Dominique’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the way he approaches his training. While he has a strong natural ability, he’s committed to fine-tuning his skills and learning from coaches, teammates, and mentors. UGA’s coaching staff has been impressed with his work ethic and his ability to adapt to the college game. He is expected to make an immediate impact, both as a scorer and a playmaker, helping to provide a scoring punch and defensive presence for the Bulldogs.

But even with all the expectations surrounding his arrival, Dominique remains grounded and focused on his goals. “I know people are going to have high expectations for me, but at the end of the day, it’s about my journey,” he says. “I want to leave my mark at UGA, not just by the numbers I put up but by the kind of person I am and the impact I have on the team and the community.”