Alabama State's basketball program appointed Dominique Wilkins as its new general manager on Tuesday. The school introduced Wilkins during its annual Basketball Tip-Off Reception in Montgomery, Alabama.
The NBA Hall of Famer will look to help the Hornets in basketball operations, fundraising, NIL partnerships and roster development. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 and earned nine NBA All-Star selections.
Fans reacted to the latest development in Alabama State's basketball program.
"I hope it works out. I spotted Mr Wilkins in the ATL airport, in like, 89/90. He was right behind me on the escalator. He followed me to the subway. I told him how good a player he was and he then spent at least 10 minutes chatting with me about college. NBA. Family. Such a nice man," one fan narrated.
"This is so cool!!!" one fan added.
"Alabama State just added a basketball legend to its leadership team! 🏀🔥 Dominique Wilkins brings Hall of Fame experience to the table. This could be a big move for the program! 👀💯" one fan wrote.
"He won't last long," one fan remarked.
"Anyone can tell me what do they actually do?" one fan asked.
"Being an Atlanta native and an AAMU grad, Nique is officially the ops now…" one fan wrote.
Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Jason Cable placed emphasis on Wilkins' post-retirement contribution, which will inspire the Hornets' student-athletes.
"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," Cable said .
"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."
Before going third overall in the 1982 NBA draft, Wilkins played for Georgia. He was named the 1981 SEC MVP and earned Second Team All-American honors. He started out with the Atlanta Hawks and earned all of his nine All-Star selections there.
After retiring, Wilkins joined the Hawks front office and became a part of their broadcasting team.
Dominique Wilkins will have a big task navigating the program through the evolving college sports landscape, including NIL, revenue-sharing models, and the transfer portal. Wilkins aims to take the program to new heights under his leadership.
"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."
Under Wilkins, men's basketball coach Chris Wright will enter his first season with the Hornets, while women's basketball coach Johnetta Hayes will enter her second season.
Entering the 2026-27 season, Alabama State is ranked second in the preseason KenPom rankings behind Bethune-Cookman in the SWAC.
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