A 6'11" 230 lb center born in Chicago, Illinois, Wilkins played college basketball at Illinois State University and was selected with the 15th pick in the second round of the 1977 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs.

He signed with the Spurs in July 1977 but was waived prior to the start of the 1977–78 NBA season.

[1] Wilkins played for the Hawaii Volcanos of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) during the 1979–80 season and was selected to the All-CBA Second Team.

Wilkins also won a Turkish Basketball League championship with Efes Pilsen.

[3] Wilkins' son John is a professional basketball player as well, and has played for several teams in Africa and Europe.