More than 40 years after his final game at the University of Georgia, Dominique Wilkins is headed back to college basketball.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer has been hired as the general manager of the Alabama State men’s basketball program, the university announced on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
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In his new role, the nine-time NBA All-Star will work with Alabama State‘s athletics administration and basketball coaching staff on fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, NIL partnerships, revenue sharing, roster planning and player development, according to the school.
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“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.”
Wilkins becomes the latest former NBA star to be hired by a college to help with roster management in the age of NIL deals and the transfer portal.
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In May, Tracy McGrady was named a strategic advisor at Wagner, where his son, Laymen, plays. The previous month, John Wall was hired as the general manager at Howard. Last year, Shaquille O’Neal joined Sacramento State as its general manager, Steph Curry returned to Davidson, which he led to an Elite Eight appearance in 2008, as its assistant general manager and Trae Young accepted a position as the assistant general manager at Oklahoma, where he played his lone college season in 2017-18.
“Wilkins’ impact extends well beyond his Hall of Fame playing career,” Alabama State athletic director Jason Cable said in a statement. “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.”
