Former Men's Basketball Player, Kevin Wilkins Dies
2/18/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Click Here for photos of Kevin Wilkins
Former Seton Hall men's basketball player Kevin Wilkins died early Thursday morning of a gunshot wound, apparently self-inflicted and accidental, while on duty as an Atlantic City Police Officer.
Wilkins was a member of the men's basketball team for two seasons, including the Pirates' memorable run to the NCAA Sweet-16 in 2000. A 2001 graduate of Seton Hall where he was a communications major and criminal justice minor, he had served two years with the Atlantic City Police Force before his death.
"Our agency has suffered a tragic loss," said Police Chief John Mooney in a written statement. "Officer Wilkins had dedicated himself in a career of service to the people of Atlantic City."
This men's basketball season marks the 10th anniversary of Seton Hall's run to the Sweet-16 in 1999-2000. On Feb. 11, members of that team, including Wilkins, took part in a ceremony honoring the team's accomplishments during the Seton Hall-Notre Dame game at Prudential Center.
Upon hearing the news of Wilkins' passing, Seton Hall issued the following statement:
"The Seton Hall University community is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former men's basketball player Kevin Wilkins. A member of the 2000 team that reached the NCAA Sweet-16, he continued to make his alma mater proud as a police officer in Atlantic City, long after his graduation from our University. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends and former teammates during this very difficult time."
Wilkins, a 6-foot-7 forward, played in 30 games as a junior and averaged 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. His top performance came at Florida State where he scored 13 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Wilkins battled injury as a senior in 2000-01, but still managed to see action in eight games.
Wilkins was just 31 years old.
