Jacob Wilkins, son of Georgia legend, commits to Bulldogs
Mike White and the Georgia Basketball program added another major commitment on Tuesday. Less than a week after landing the pledge of five-star plus+ power forward Asa Newell in the Class of 2024, Jacob Wilkins in the Class of 2025 is jumping on board.
The son of Georgia legend and NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, Jacob chose the Bulldogs over his other finalist Virginia, where his older brother Isaiah played and is an assistant coach on Tony Bennett’s staff.
Wilkins, who stands at 6-foot-8 according to On3 but has been reported as taller by other sources, is ranked No. 22 overall for the Class of 2025 by On3. He’s On3’s No. 7 small forward and No. 3 player in the state of Georgia. Industry ratings are waiting to catch up some but still see Wilkins as an elite prospect coming in at No. 33 overall, No. 8 for his position and No. 6 in the Peach State.
“I know their program is good, and they put players in good situations,” Wilkins told On3 about Georgia in an interview prior to his recent official visit. “They have good off the court relationships with their players. They like how my skillset fits what they’re trying to do and how I can play inside and out … I saw how hard the team went in practice; that was memorable for me. They practiced like it was their last time playing.”
“I’d describe myself as a three-level scorer,” he added on his own game. “I feel like I shoot the three ball well, I can knock down the mid-range, and I can play above the rim. I’m also a good shot blocker. I watch a lot of Brandon Ingram; his ball handling and his ability to take his defender off the dribble is what I love about his game.”
Of course, growing up in the state of Georgia where his father starred for the Bulldogs at the NCAA level before spending 12 seasons with Atlanta Hawks in the NBA, his game often gets compared to that of Dominique – a former McDonald’s All-American, 1981 SEC Player of the Year, 9-time NBA All-Star, 7-time All-NBA selection, 2-time slam dunk contest winner and 1986 NBA scoring champion.
“I’ve seen highlights of my dad for sure. We both can jump out of the gym and are threats in transition. He’s helped me focus on making sure everything I do is one hundred percent. There was some pressure to live up to the Wilkins name when I was younger, but as I got older, I’ve gotten used to it.”
Georgia was the first school to offer Wilkins back in January of 2023. He also held offers from the likes of Alabama, Indiana, Cincinnati and of course Georgia’s fellow finalist Virginia at the time of commitment.
Wilkins previously played at Parkview where he averaged 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game as a sophomore. He has since transferred to Grayson. He tells On3 he is not a candidate for reclassification at this time.
Jacob Wilkins Scouting Report
Jacob Wilkins is a lengthy and explosive player. The upside is clear with him as you see the frame, the athleticism, the touch. It is all about consistency. He need to continue adding strength and live game reps. Wilkins is explosive in transition, able to quickly switch ends of the court and fill the lanes with a purpose as he gets above the rim. He has a jump shot that extends beyond the three point arc and with his feet set has good balance and consistent release and load. He needs to continue working on his balance and tightening his handle in the half court. Wilkins is getting better off one and two dribbles, learning his spots. There is high defensive upside here. Wilkins is still raw, but he is someone that continues to improve each time you check in. The ceiling is very high here. He is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins. – Jamie Shaw, On3
