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Part 3: Dominique Wilkins on Seeing His Friend Get Killed at 13: It Traumatized Me for Years
Part 1: Dominique Wilkins Grew Up in Baltimore Projects During Highest Crime Rate in US
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Retired NBA player Dominique Wilkins discussed how his difficult childhood shaped his basketball career. Raised by a single mother who had to care for eight children, Wilkins told host Vlad that he made a promise when he was 12 to go pro and care for his mom, a goal that had driven him since he was a tween. Despite his father's early departure due to issues related to military life, Wilkins remained close to him and saw him only sporadically. The basketball legend also revealed how basketball was his refuge in a neighborhood where participating in a gang was almost a requirement. His talent was recognized early, which made people respect and protect him as the neighborhood's hope. Touching on his playing years, Wilkins recalled dunking at 12 or 13, hitting 6'9'' tall during high school after a significant growth spurt.
