MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the appointment of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins as General Manager of the Hornets' men's basketball program. The university announced the appointment during its annual Basketball Tipoff Reception Tuesday evening.

Wilkins' addition marks a significant step forward in Alabama State Athletics' commitment to strengthening its basketball operations, expanding resources for student-athletes, and positioning both programs for sustained success in the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

In his new role, Wilkins will work with Alabama State's athletics administration and basketball coaching staff on strategic initiatives in fundraising, donor engagement, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships, revenue sharing, roster planning, and student-athlete development.

As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to evolve through NIL opportunities, revenue-sharing models, and the transfer portal, Wilkins will provide valuable insight, leadership, and relationships to help strengthen the Hornets' competitive position on and off the court.

"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," said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Jason Cable. "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."

Wilkins is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in basketball history. Wilkins brings professional experience, national recognition, and an extensive network throughout the basketball community. His appointment allows Alabama State to leverage his experience and influence to expand the university's reach, build meaningful partnerships, and create more opportunities for student-athletes.

"To be at a place like Alabama State University is exciting; it's a new challenge," Wilkins said. "The programs are trending upward, so it's an exciting time to join them and accelerate the growth."

Best known for his remarkable career with the Atlanta Hawks, Wilkins became one of the NBA's most electrifying players and prolific scorers, earning the nickname "the human highlight film." His impact on the game earned him numerous honors, including the Hawks retiring his No. 21 jersey in 2001.

Wilkins was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006, and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. In March 2015, the Atlanta Hawks honored his lasting legacy by unveiling a bronze statue outside State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Wilkins' reputation and longstanding ties to the Southeast are expected to give Alabama State new opportunities to engage alumni, supporters, corporate partners, and the broader basketball community.

Creating the general manager position reflects Alabama State Athletics' proactive approach to the changing business of college sports. By integrating strategic resource development with basketball operations, the department aims to provide both programs with additional support in recruiting, roster management, student-athlete retention, and long-term program development.
Wilkins' appointment further underscores Alabama State University's commitment to building competitive championship-caliber basketball programs while maintaining a student-athlete-centered approach to success.

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The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
 
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
 
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