He averaged 21.6 points per game and was named SEC Men's Basketball Player of the Year in 1981. Wilkins was drafted as the 3rd overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. He was later traded to the Atlanta Hawks for cash.

Wilkins entered the 1982 NBA Draft after his junior year and was selected by the Utah Jazz with the third overall pick. He refused to sign with the Jazz, however, and was dealt in September, 1982 to Atlanta for John Drew, Freeman Williams and cash.

Wilkins enrolled at the University of Georgia, where he played basketball for three years, and was awarded as SEC Player of the Year in 1981. Wilkins was drafted third in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, and subsequently traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Wilkins was the Hawks’ leading scorer for most of his twelve seasons with the franchise.