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Another Wilkins in Athens Exiled N.C. State star to transfer to Georgia
Updated: Wednesday July 04, 2001 10:03 PM
RALEIGH, N.C. (CNNSI.com) -- N.C. State forward Damien Wilkins, whose well-known father and uncle have been outspoken in their criticism of Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek, will reportedly transfer to Georgia. Wilkins' uncle, former Bulldogs and Atlanta Hawks star Dominique Wilkins, told the Charlotte Observer of the decision. Damien Wilkins averaged 11.7 points per game as a sophomore, then made himself available for the NBA Draft. A day before the June.20 deadline to withdraw and retain his NCAA eligibility, Sendek told Wilkins he was not welcome to return to the Wolfpack. Sendek cited demands made by Damien and his father, Gerald, and their public criticisms of the program as the reasons for his action. Under NCAA rules, he will have to sit out the 2001-02 season upon transferring but will have two years of eligibility remaining. Dominique Wilkins applauded Damien's choice of Georgia while taking the opportunity to criticize Sendek. "It's a great situation for Damien," Dominique told the Observer. "[Georgia coach] Jim Harrick knows basketball and has developed players for the NBA. [Sendek] didn't develop any players there. It's not just Damien. A lot of players didn't [develop]. Damon Thornton, Kenny Inge -- their best years were [as] freshmen." Georgia officials were unavailable for comment Monday night. Harrick, who lost his own star D.A. Layne after he did not withdraw from the draft, had been unsuccessful in previous attempts to lure high-profile transfers. Former Georgetown and Fresno State point guard Kenny Brunner was set to enroll at Georgia last year before his admission was denied due to a history of off-court troubles. In the spring, Penn State transfer Jon Crispin nearly chose Georgia before deciding on UCLA.
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