Keeping it real with NBA legend Dominique Wilkins
On July 18, I had the pleasure of interacting with NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, who played for the Atlanta Hawks, and NBA’s Brian Rowsom, who played for the Indiana Pacers and the Charlotte Hornets. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting both at a summer basketball camp in Clarkston, GA, located 10 miles northeast of Atlanta.
I was there to photograph the opening day of the inaugural Rowsom Sports/ City of Clarkston Summer Basketball Camp, a program that Brian Rowsom has started to coach and mentor youths. The four-day camp, which was open to youths in grades 4-12, was held at Clarkston First Baptist Church Family Life Center.
When Dominique arrived for the program, I walked up and introduced myself to him. As we waited for city officials and other community partners to arrive, I had a chance to speak with him one-on-one. Dominique is as down to earth as they come—in spite of being a Hall of Famer who earned the nickname the “Human Highlight Film” for the slam dunks he would perform on a daily basis. I reminded Dominique that we had actually met at a Home Goods store a while back. He said, “Yeah, man, I was there picking up a few things.” He explained that he was preparing for family to come and visit. I was on a similar mission that day, I told him. We also had a family event and my wife, Valerie, was buying serving platters and such.
I segued into asking Dominique about his basketball days—he played from 1982 to 1999. He opened up and talked about what it was like during his era versus today. I was comfortable talking to him. He’s a straight shooter who speaks honestly.
Meanwhile, Val (with her non-sports self) kept a safe distance. I could tell by her body language that she was nervous so I let her stay put. She snapped a couple of photos. I was enjoying this because I played college basketball and it was great discussing a subject that I love with someone I greatly admired.
motioned for her to come over and we took some selfies with Dominique. I also photographed him with city officials and key partners. Afterward, Dominque began his motivational moment with youths in the camp, fielding questions from them.
One kid asked: “How much money do you make?
Dominique flashed a smile: “I’m not gonna answer that one.”
Dominique did tell the group, however, that if he had to change anything about the era in which he played: “It would be the money.”
Another camper asked: “Do you have Michael Jordan’s phone number?
Dominique: “Yes, but I’m not going to give it out.”
The kids laughed. They were enjoying the lively banter between the legend and themselves. Dominque stuck around for more photos with the kids.
I loved what Dominique told the kids toward the end of his motivational moment: “Just make sure that you have fun. Make sure you do the best that you can. Anything that you do, do it with a purpose.”
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