MONTGOMERY, Ala. — NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins is bringing his basketball experience and professional connections to the HBCU level after being named general manager of Alabama State’s men’s basketball program.
Alabama State University announced the appointment Tuesday, October 27, during its annual Basketball Tip-Off Reception, where athletics director Jason Cable introduced Wilkins to Hornet supporters.
The move gives the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) program a prominent basketball figure as it prepares for the 2026-27 season.
What Will Dominique Wilkins Do at Alabama State?
Wilkins will work with Alabama State’s athletics administration and basketball coaching staff on several areas of program development, including fundraising, donor engagement, name, image and likeness (NIL) partnerships, revenue sharing, roster planning and student-athlete development.
The general manager position reflects the changing business of college basketball, where programs increasingly must navigate the transfer portal, NIL opportunities and revenue-sharing arrangements while building competitive rosters.
Alabama State hopes Wilkins’ experience and connections within the basketball community will help expand resources and create additional opportunities for its student-athletes.
“It’s a new challenge,” Wilkins said of joining Alabama State, according to the university’s announcement. He also expressed excitement about the direction of the programs and the opportunity to accelerate their growth.
Dominique Wilkins Brings Hall of Fame Credentials
Known as “The Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins established himself as one of the NBA’s most electrifying scorers during his professional career, particularly with the Atlanta Hawks.
His accomplishments include nine NBA All-Star selections, the 1985-86 NBA scoring title and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He finished his NBA career with 26,668 points.
Wilkins’ basketball experience and longstanding relationships across the sport could prove valuable as Alabama State works to strengthen its program beyond the court.
Alabama State Enters a New Chapter
Wilkins joins Alabama State as Chris Wright begins his first season as the Hornets’ men’s basketball head coach.
Wright arrived in Montgomery after leading Langston University to a 121-21 record over four seasons, including two appearances in the NAIA national championship game.
The addition of Wilkins gives Alabama State another experienced basketball figure as the program works to build its roster, develop student-athletes and compete in the SWAC.
For Alabama State, the appointment is about more than adding a recognizable NBA name. The university is positioning its basketball operations to address the financial, recruiting and roster-management demands of modern college athletics.
