Dominique Wilkins: “I’ve never seen a resort facility like this”

Edited by Giorgos Tsiros

Costa Navarino regularly welcomes both active and retired world-class athletes, but this summer’s NBA Basketball School event brought a true basketball legend to the resort: Dominique Wilkins. Known as the “Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins captivated fans with his remarkable athleticism and scoring prowess. A Hall of Famer and nine-time NBA All-Star, he spent the majority of his illustrious career with the Atlanta Hawks, where he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. His spectacular dunks and competitive spirit made him a fan favorite. Beyond the NBA, Wilkins had a memorable stint with Panathinaikos in Greece, leading the team to its first European Championship in 1996—the crowning achievement of his brilliant career. Today, Wilkins continues to inspire young athletes through his work with NBA Basketball Schools and his personal basketball academy.

Is this your first time in Greece since playing for Panathinaikos almost 30 years ago?

Yeah, I would say so. I’ve been in surrounding countries but never had a chance to get back here. Now that I’m here and have been around the great people here, I’m really sad that I haven’t come back sooner. I’ve been treated very well since I’ve been here this time.

So, it’s your first time in Costa Navarino. How does it feel to be here in Greece, participating in the NBA Basketball School?

I think it’s great. It shows how much basketball has grown in Greece. To see these kids developing an interest in basketball at a very early age is important, and it’s really nice to see.

And what’s your impression of the sports facilities here in Costa Navarino and the destination as a whole?

Well, I’ve never seen a resort facility like this, with hotels and swimming pools, and right in the middle of it, a basketball gym where guys and girls can come and play. This is a wonderful facility.

So, you’ve worked with young athletes in your academy. Is helping young talents exciting for you? Can you spot the talent right away, even on this court?

Yeah, you can spot the talent. This is the best age to help kids get interested in basketball and grow their love for the game through teaching and skill training. Some kids pick it up really naturally. I see some kids going up and down the floor with the basketball, and it’s amazing because you know that if they stay focused and keep it up, they could have a chance one day. Even at six or seven years old, you can spot the talent. For example, with my son, I knew at five years old that basketball would be his sport. It wasn’t that I was pushing it on him; he just naturally loved it. He would sleep with an Atlanta Hawks teddy bear as a kid, so he picked it up very early.

Do you believe that NBA Basketball School programs are important for nurturing global talent in basketball?

Oh yeah. Basketball is now a global sport, and there’s global talent. It’s really cool to go to different parts of the world to help teach and nurture that talent, giving them information and advice on how to play the game. We become the teachers so that one day, they can become teachers for someone else.

Reflecting on your legendary career, what advice would you give to young players aspiring to reach the highest level of basketball?

The first thing I would tell them, outside of being confident in themselves and their skills, is to work on the things they’re weakest at. Everyone wants to shoot and dribble, but it’s important to work on the hard things. When you work on those hard things, it helps you become a better all-around player.

So, is it talent or dedication and hard work? What counts more?

It’s dedication and hard work. Talent is a plus. If you ask me what I’d rather be—a great athlete or a great basketball player—I would choose to be a great basketball player. A lot of kids might say they want to be a great athlete, but that’s their first mistake. A great athlete might get a lot of oohs and ahhs, but a great player will beat you every night.

Recently, you were inducted into the Greek Basketball Hall of Fame. What does Greece mean to you personally after all these years?

Wow, I didn’t know that. That’s great and wonderful. It shows the respect, love, and appreciation that the city of Athens still has for me. That’s outstanding. Thank you.

What do you think are the biggest changes in the game in recent years?

The game has become more hybrid, with players playing multiple positions and spending more time on the perimeter. There’s a lot more movement, passing, cutting, and pick-and-rolls. There’s not much inside play anymore. Currently, there are only two players I know of who dominate inside, and that’s Embiid and Jokic.

So, speaking of those players, who are your favorite NBA players?

Oh man, I have a lot of favorites, both current and past. Of course, there’s LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, and Jayson Tatum.

How about Giannis? We love him in Greece.

I was getting to him. Giannis is the best power forward in the game today; it’s not even questionable. He’s one of the greatest talents to ever play the game of basketball. And he’s a special person as well as a special basketball player. That’s what makes him great.

What are your feelings about Panathinaikos?

It’s really simple—I love Panathinaikos. I had a great time here in Greece. They gave me a chance to come over, play with them, and win a championship, which we did. The Greek fans, you could never not like them for how they treated you, made you feel at home, and would literally go to war for you. To this day, the love and respect I get from Greek fans is incredible. I recently ran into some Greek fans in Atlanta who said, “We love you, Panathinaikos!” That’s special, man. I love Greek fans.

Even here in Costa Navarino, we see you walking around, and everyone is stopping to thank you for what you gave to Panathinaikos.

I’ve met a lot of Panathinaikos fans here at the resort, which is pretty amazing.

So, how are you spending your time here in Costa Navarino, and what do you enjoy most? Do you have any special plans?

Well, outside of dealing with the kids and interviews, I’m enjoying the food. The food is great.

Are you a golf player?

I do play. I’m decent and play regularly, so golf is one of my favorite pastimes.

Thank you very much Dominique, enjoy the rest of your stay.

Thank you! You guys made everything so easy for me here!