Jamaal Wilkes
(Born 1953)
Hall of Fame Induction: 2012
Card Shown:
2012-13 Panini Flawless
Memorable Marks
Position: SF
Height: 6’6″
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Jamaal Wilkes, dubbed “Silk” because of the smooth and effortless-looking manner in which he played the game, was two-time NCAA champion at UCLA and a four-time NBA champion. His unorthodox shot was released from behind his head, a shooting stroke that he learned playing against older players to keep his shot from being blocked. The former Keith Wilkes, Jamaal was an outstanding shooter, strong rebounder, and tenacious defender. Although never the leading man on any of his championship teams, Wilkes was nonetheless an incredibly strong player who ensured the success of his Bruins, Warriors, and Lakers teams.
Awards and Honors
- Wilkes was a two-time NCAA AP All-America selection for the Bruins in college. He was recognized with Second Team honors in 1972-73 and First Team honors in 1973-74.
- Jamaal won two NCAA championships with the UCLA Bruins under legendary head coach John Wooden. Teaming with Bill Walton, Wilkes helped lead UCLA over Florida State 81-76 in the 1972 NCAA title game. The next year, in 1973 the Bruins defeated Memphis 87-66 to win another national championship. Jamaal was a big part of the historic 88-game winning streak that UCLA put together under Wooden between 1971 and 1974.
- In 1974-75, Wilkes won the NBA Rookie of the Year award as he helped lead the Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship. In his freshman campaign Jamaal averaged 14.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Rick Barry led the Warriors in scoring that year with 30.6 points per game.
- Wilkes was a three-time NBA All-Star during his twelve seasons in the league. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team two times.
- Jamaal was a key part of the Showtime Lakers in the 1980s, where he won three more NBA championships in 1980, 1982, and 1985. Other Hall of Fame players on those storied Lakers teams were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy (1985 only).
Points of Interest
- Jamaal was drafted with the eleventh overall pick in the first round of the 1974 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. The first overall pick in the draft that year, his UCLA teammate Bill Walton, was taken by the Portland Trail Blazers.
- In his 828 game NBA career, Wilkes averaged 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a .499 shooting percentage.
- The Lakers retired Wilkes number 52 jersey on December 28, 2012. Less than a month later, his number 52 jersey was retired by UCLA on January 17, 2013.
- Jamaal was inducted into the National Collegiate Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2016.
- In 1985, the New York Post asked John Wooden to describe the ideal college basketball player. Wooden replied, “I would have the student be a good student, polite, courteous, a good team player, a good defensive player and rebounder, a good inside player and outside shooter. Why not just take Jamaal Wilkes and let it go at that.”
Statistics
Jamaal Wilkes Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com
Personal Interaction
At the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction weekend, Joshua and I had a very brief interaction with Hall of Famer Jamaal Wilkes at the Awards Gala on Friday night. We were able to take a picture with him, but did not have our cards available to be signed when we met him. Still, it was fun to spend a few moments with the basketball legend.
Thank you, Jamaal!
In-Person Photos
Jamaal Wilkes 2014-15 Panini Flawless
Super Signatures
