Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Kris Wilkes
View on WikipediaKristafer Aaron Wilkes (born September 18, 1998)[1] is an American professional basketball player who is a free agent. As a high school senior, he was a McDonald's All-American and named Indiana Mr. Basketball. He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. He was a starter as a freshman in 2017–18, when he was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. As a sophomore, he earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2019. He went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft.
Key Information
High school career
[edit]As a high school senior in 2017, he was selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Game[2] and was ranked as a consensus five-star prospect in the class of 2017. At the conclusion of his senior year, Wilkes was named Indiana Mr. Basketball and an Indiana All-Star.[3]
College career
[edit]Ranked a consensus five-star college recruit,[4] Wilkes chose to play for UCLA over Indiana and Illinois.[5] The Bruins highest ranked recruit for 2017–18 ahead of guard Jaylen Hands,[6] he started in the season opener and scored a team-high 18 points in a 63–60 win over Georgia Tech.[7] On November 16, 2017, he had 20 points and a team-high 12 rebounds for his first career double-double in a 106–101 overtime win over Central Arkansas.[8][9] After averaging 16.8 points through the first four games, Wilkes began to struggle.[10] He was limited to single-digit scoring in three of four games before scoring 20 points in an 83–75 upset over No. 7 Kentucky.[11] On December 31, he scored 21 points in a 74–53 win over Washington.[12] On January 20, Wilkes scored another 21 in a 94–91 loss to Oregon.[13] In the rematch against Oregon, he scored 19 points and made a career-high five three-pointers in an 86–78 win in the Bruins' final home game.[14][15] In the regular-season finale, Wilkes scored a season-high 22 points and teammate Aaron Holiday had a career-high 34 in an 87–72 victory over USC, completing a season sweep in their crosstown rivalry and clinching a bye and the No. 4 seed for UCLA in the upcoming Pac-12 tournament.[16][17] He was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.[18]
UCLA qualified for the 2018 NCAA tournament, but lost 65–58 to St. Bonaventure in the First Four. After starting all previous 32 games entering the tournament, Wilkes did not start the game, sitting out the first five minutes for disciplinary reasons after being late for a team bus earlier in the week.[19][20] He ended the year as UCLA's second-leading scorer and rebounder with averages of 13.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.[21] He declared for the 2018 NBA draft and attended the NBA Draft Combine, but later withdrew from the draft to return to the Bruins.[22][23][24] There were concerns among NBA executives about his durability given his narrow frame of 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) and 195 pounds (88 kg), and he figured to improve his standing with a more prominent role as a sophomore.[21]
In the 2018–19 season opener, Wilkes scored 27 points and added 10 rebounds in a 96–71 win over Purdue Fort Wayne.[25] On December 8, 2018, he made a game-winning three-pointer with 0.9 seconds remaining in a 65–62 win over Notre Dame.[26] On January 26, 2019, he scored a career-high 34 points on 12-of-16 shooting from the field to help UCLA end a three-game losing streak in a 90–69 win over Arizona.[27] On the road against California, Wilkes had 27 points and 10 rebounds to help the Bruins win 75–67 in overtime and end a three-game losing streak. "[Wilkes is] our best player, and that’s the way he's supposed to play", said interim coach Murry Bartow.[28] He finished the season as the Bruins leading scoring (17.4),[29] and was named second-team All-Pac-12.[30] While his scoring increased by almost four points per game from his freshman year, his field goal percentage dropped from 44.1 to 43.3.[29] After the season, which UCLA finished 17–16 and failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament, Wilkes declared again for the NBA draft.[31]
Professional career
[edit]After not showing dramatic improvement as a UCLA sophomore, Wilkes went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft.[32] He was expected to sign a two-way contract with the New York Knicks after general manager Scott Perry talked about him while introducing their 2019 draft picks.[33][34][35] However, Wilkes was unable to play in the 2019 NBA Summer League due to a severe, undisclosed illness,[33][36] and the Knicks signed Ivan Rabb with their remaining two-way slot.[36] Wilkes later described the illness as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare autoimmune disease.[37][38]
In 2024, he was invited to work out with the Indiana Pacers. They asked him to participate in their summer training camp, though he was not given an NBA Summer League contract.[39] On October 27, Wilkes joined the Indiana Mad Ants,[40] but was waived on November 6.[41]
Career statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
College
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | UCLA | 33 | 32 | 29.8 | .441 | .352 | .655 | 4.9 | 1.7 | .8 | .5 | 13.7 |
| 2018–19 | UCLA | 33 | 33 | 31.7 | .433 | .337 | .671 | 4.8 | 1.7 | .6 | .4 | 17.4 |
| Career | 66 | 65 | 30.8 | .436 | .343 | .664 | 4.8 | 1.7 | .7 | .5 | 15.5 | |
References
[edit]- ^ "Kris Wilkes". NBA Draft.net.
- ^ Halley, Jim (February 22, 2017). "Kris Wilkes, with an eye toward the playoffs, gets his McDonald's jersey". USA Today. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
- ^ Neddenriep, Kyle (June 10, 2017). "Kris Wilkes lost his No. 1 jersey, then helped Indiana All-Stars to a big win". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
- ^ "Kris Wilkes". Verbal Commits. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
- ^ Borzello, Jeff (November 13, 2016). "Five-star recruit Kris Wilkes chooses UCLA over Indiana, Illinois". ABC News. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
- ^ Greene, Dan (August 24, 2017). "Kris Wilkes Should Be an Impact Player Right Away For UCLA". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on December 9, 2017.
- ^ "No. 21 UCLA survives to beat Georgia Tech 63-60". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 11, 2017. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017.
- ^ Nguyen, Thuc Nhi (November 16, 2017). "Sloppy UCLA survives Central Arkansas in overtime". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017.
- ^ "No. 23 UCLA survives Central Arkansas in overtime". Reuters. November 16, 2017. Archived from the original on December 9, 2017.
- ^ Nguyen, Thuc Thi (November 15, 2017). "UCLA's short-handed freshmen steadily gain experience". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on December 18, 2017.
- ^ Nguyen, Thuc Thi (December 23, 2017). "UCLA knocks off No. 7 Kentucky". Inside UCLA. Archived from the original on December 24, 2017.
- ^ Fattal, Tarek (December 31, 2017). "Second-half runs anchor UCLA's comeback victory over Washington". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ "UCLA Comeback Falls Short at Oregon, 94-91".
- ^ Bolch, Ben (February 17, 2018). "UCLA beats Oregon 86-78 in OT shootout". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 18, 2018.
- ^ "Holiday scores 29 as UCLA beats Oregon 86-78 in OT". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 17, 2018. Archived from the original on February 18, 2018.
- ^ Bolch, Ben (March 3, 2018). "UCLA goes on a late run to sweep season series against USC". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 4, 2018.
- ^ "UCLA rallies to beat USC 87-72, ends 2-game skid". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 3, 2018. Archived from the original on March 4, 2018.
- ^ Nguyen, Thuc Nhi (March 5, 2018). "UCLA's Aaron Holiday named first-team All-Pac-12, Thomas Welsh on second team". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on March 6, 2018.
- ^ Fenno, Nathan (March 13, 2018). "UCLA loses to St. Bonaventure in play-in game to the NCAA tournament". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Rittenberg, Adam (March 14, 2018). "Bruins sit Kris Wilkes for opening minutes of loss to Bonnies". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2018.
- ^ a b Davis, Seth (June 26, 2018). "Summer School: With Hands and Wilkes back in the fold, UCLA is hoping for a happier ending". The Athletic. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
- ^ Bolch, Ben (April 3, 2018). "UCLA's Kris Wilkes will test NBA waters without hiring an agent". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018.
- ^ O'Connor, Kevin (May 21, 2018). "What We Saw and Heard at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine". The Ringer. Archived from the original on May 27, 2018.
- ^ Dauster, Rob (May 29, 2018). "Kris Wilkes to return to UCLA for sophomore season". NBC Sports. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
- ^ Bolch, Ben (November 6, 2018). "UCLA's Kris Wilkes has career night in season-opening blowout". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
- ^ Nguyen, Thuc Nhi (December 8, 2018). "UCLA stuns Notre Dame on injured Kris Wilkes' last-second 3-pointer". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- ^ Nguyen, Thuc Nhi (January 26, 2019). "Kris Wilkes scores career high as UCLA men's basketball ends losing streak". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
- ^ Bolch, Ben (February 13, 2019). "UCLA struggles to keep ahead of last-place Cal in 75-67 overtime win". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ a b Nguyen, Thuc Nhi (March 27, 2019). "UCLA guard Kris Wilkes declares for NBA draft with agent". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
- ^ Nguyen, Thuc Nhi (March 11, 2019). "UCLA's Jaylen Hands, Kris Wilkes named All-Pac-12 second team". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
- ^ Bolch, Ben (March 27, 2019). "UCLA's Kris Wilkes announces he's headed to the NBA". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
- ^ Nguyen, Thuc Nhi (June 20, 2019). "UCLA's Jaylen Hands headed to Brooklyn Nets after going 56th in NBA draft". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
- ^ a b Popper, Steve (July 2, 2019). "RJ Barrett keeps his focus on learning, trying to help Knicks". Newsday. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
- ^ Berman, Marc (September 8, 2019). "Knicks summoning Kris Wilkes for new physical in last hope". New York Post. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
- ^ Iseman, Chris (June 24, 2019). "New York Knicks: What to know about 2-way player Kris Wilkes". NorthJersey.com. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
- ^ a b Bondy, Stefan (October 23, 2019). "Knicks sign forward Ivan Rabb to fill final roster spot". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
- ^ David Gardner (October 23, 2021). "His N.B.A. Dream Was Right There. Then He Couldn't Move His Legs". The New York Times.
- ^ Neddenriep, Kyle (October 23, 2021). "'Where is Kris Wilkes?' 2017 Mr. Basketball working way back after auto-immune disease". Indianapolis Star.
- ^ Dopirak, Dustin (July 10, 2024). "5 years after Kris Wilkes was told he'd never play in NBA, Indy native works out for Pacers". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
- ^ Mad Ants Basketball [@TheMadAnts] (October 27, 2024). "our 2024-25 training camp roster 🐜🔥" (Tweet). Retrieved October 28, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "2024-2025 Indiana Mad Ants Transaction History". RealGM.com. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
External links
[edit]Kris Wilkes
View on GrokipediaEarly life and high school
Family background and early development
Kris Wilkes was born on September 18, 1998, in Indianapolis, Indiana.[3] He is the son of Greg Wilkes, a 22-year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department who later served as an event coordinator for the Indiana Pacers, and Ahkisha Owens; Wilkes is the older of their two sons and has a younger brother, Anthony Robey.[10][3][7] Growing up in a family connected to the local sports scene through his father's role with the Pacers, Wilkes developed an early interest in basketball, participating in youth leagues that honed his fundamental skills.[10] He advanced through the Indy Hoosiers AAU program, where he averaged 20.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game on the Under Armour Association circuit, demonstrating his scoring ability and rebounding prowess as a young prospect.[11] By his early teens, standing at 6 feet 5 inches as an eighth grader in the class of 2017, Wilkes attracted scholarship offers from major college programs even before entering high school, praised in scouting reports for his versatile wing skills, including smooth shooting, ball-handling, and defensive potential.[12][13] This pre-high school exposure laid the groundwork for his transition to North Central High School in Indianapolis.[12]High school achievements and recruiting
Kris Wilkes attended North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 2013 to 2017, where he emerged as one of the top basketball prospects in the nation.[3] Over his four varsity seasons, he helped lead the Panthers to a 77-22 record, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility as a 6-foot-7 small forward.[10] As a senior in the 2016–17 season, Wilkes averaged 22.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, earning recognition as a dominant force on both ends of the court.[10] His performance propelled North Central to a strong regular season, including a No. 1 ranking in Indiana for much of the year, before the team advanced to the regional round of the state tournament, where they fell to Ben Davis High School.[14] Wilkes' senior year accolades highlighted his elite status, including being named the 2017 Indiana Mr. Basketball by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association and IndyStar.[15] He was also selected as a McDonald's All-American, where he contributed eight points in 13 minutes during the 2017 game in Chicago.[3][16] Rated as a five-star recruit and No. 20 in the national RSCI Top 100 class of 2017, Wilkes drew interest from top programs and ultimately committed to UCLA in November 2016, choosing the Bruins over in-state rivals Indiana and Illinois after official visits to all three.[2][11] His decision bolstered UCLA's top-ranked recruiting class that year.[17] Throughout his high school career, Wilkes shone in national tournaments, including strong showings in AAU circuits like the Adidas Gauntlet series, where he averaged double-digit points and demonstrated his scoring prowess in high-stakes games.[18] He was also selected for the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn, further cementing his reputation among elite prospects.[19]College career
Freshman season (2017–18)
As a highly touted recruit, Kris Wilkes entered his freshman season at UCLA with significant expectations, transitioning quickly to a starting role on a Bruins team rebuilding after the departure of key players from the previous year. He started 32 of 33 games, averaging 29.8 minutes per contest while leading the team in scoring with 13.7 points per game, alongside 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists; his shooting efficiency included 44.1% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range.[3][2][5] Wilkes made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut during the Pac-12 China Game against Georgia Tech on November 10, 2017, where he scored a team-high 18 points, including four three-pointers, helping UCLA secure a 63–60 victory. He continued to adapt to the rigors of Pac-12 competition, showcasing versatility as a wing player capable of scoring from multiple levels, though he faced challenges with consistency in high-pressure conference matchups. A standout performance came on December 23, 2017, against No. 7 Kentucky, where Wilkes tallied 20 points and five rebounds in an 83–75 upset win, signaling his growing comfort against elite opponents.[20] For his contributions, Wilkes earned a spot on the 2017–18 Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, one of five freshmen honored by the conference.[21][3] UCLA finished the season with a 21–12 overall record and 11–7 in Pac-12 play, earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they fell 65–58 to St. Bonaventure in the First Four.[22][23][24]Sophomore season (2018–19)
In his sophomore season, Kris Wilkes assumed a significantly expanded role for the UCLA Bruins, starting all 33 games and emerging as the team's leading scorer. Building on his freshman experience, he averaged 17.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 43.3% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range.[3][2] His scoring output ranked fourth in the Pac-12 conference, marking a notable improvement from his rookie year.[3] Wilkes delivered several standout performances, including a career-high 34 points on 12-of-16 shooting in a 90–69 victory over Arizona on January 26, which helped end a three-game losing streak. He scored in double figures in 30 of 33 games, with 11 outings of at least 20 points, showcasing his development as a versatile wing scorer capable of efficient inside-out play.[3] The Bruins finished the season with a 17–16 overall record and 9–9 in Pac-12 play, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament after defeating Stanford 79–72 in the first round before falling to Arizona State 83–72. Wilkes earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors for his contributions, as selected by conference coaches.[25][26][27] Following the season, Wilkes declared for the 2019 NBA Draft on March 27, hiring an agent and forgoing his junior year at UCLA to pursue a professional career.[28][29]Professional career
2019 NBA draft and initial contract attempts
Following his sophomore season at UCLA, where he averaged 17.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, Kris Wilkes declared for the 2019 NBA Draft and was projected by analysts as a late first-round or early second-round selection due to his scoring efficiency and potential as a perimeter player.[30][31] Despite these expectations, Wilkes went undrafted in the two-round draft held on June 20, 2019, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Immediately after the draft, Wilkes signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks on June 22, 2019, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.[32] Pre-draft scouting reports highlighted his 6-foot-8-inch frame, smooth shooting stroke from beyond the arc, and versatility as a wing capable of scoring in transition, handling the ball, and defending multiple positions, though concerns about his inconsistent three-point shooting (33.7% in college) and defensive effort were noted.[33][34] As part of his initial professional transition, Wilkes received an invitation to the Knicks' NBA Summer League roster in Las Vegas, but he was ultimately unable to participate due to an undisclosed injury that emerged prior to the event in late July.[35] Wilkes was slated for a brief stint in the Knicks' training camp, including exposure with the Westchester Knicks, to evaluate his fit before the regular season.[36] However, in early September 2019, just before training camp began on September 30, the Knicks voided the verbal two-way agreement citing emerging health concerns that prevented Wilkes from being cleared to play.[35][36]Health challenges and recovery
In the summer of 2019, shortly after the NBA draft, Kris Wilkes was diagnosed with a rare combination of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and Guillain-Barré syndrome, autoimmune disorders that caused sudden paralysis and loss of sensation in his lower body.[7] The condition, which often follows an infection such as Wilkes' recent strep throat, led to his hospitalization for approximately one week, during which he regained some feeling in his extremities but lost over 20 pounds and significant muscle strength, rendering him unable to walk independently.[7][4] The illness had profound professional repercussions, voiding the two-way contract Wilkes had signed with the New York Knicks after failing a required physical examination in September 2019, and sidelining him for nearly three years, causing him to miss the 2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021–22 seasons entirely.[8][37] A multimillion-dollar insurance policy ultimately provided financial stability during this period, allowing Wilkes to focus on rehabilitation without immediate economic pressure.[37] Wilkes' recovery began with initial treatments including steroids and other therapies in the weeks following his diagnosis, progressing to intensive physical rehabilitation around 2020 as he worked to rebuild stability and leg strength.[4] By mid-2020, he reported feeling more like himself after about a year of effort, though full return to basketball activities remained gradual, involving consistent gym work and pool sessions to regain mobility and endurance.[8] His mental resilience during this challenging time was evident in interviews, where he described the initial fear of paralysis—"Dad, I’m scared"—but emphasized unwavering determination to resume his career, refusing to abandon his NBA aspirations despite the uncertainty.[7] Key milestones marked his progress: by early 2022, Wilkes had resumed structured training with longtime trainer Paul Paolella, focusing on strength and basketball-specific drills, and participated in summer pickup games against NBA players like De'Andre Hunter and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.[37][8] He was medically cleared for full basketball participation without reported long-term effects from the ADEM by 2022, enabling ongoing workouts and evaluations with professional teams.[37][38]G League stints and NBA affiliations
Following his recovery from a debilitating autoimmune illness, Kris Wilkes returned to competitive basketball environments in 2024 through affiliations with the Indiana Pacers and their G League affiliate, the Indiana Mad Ants.[7] In July 2024, Wilkes participated in the Pacers' summer league training camp in Indianapolis, his first organized basketball activity since 2019.[38] This opportunity came after he was medically cleared to resume play and impressed team staff during pre-camp workouts, showcasing improved athleticism despite the five-year hiatus.[8] Wilkes described the camp as an "eye-opening experience," noting the increased speed and physicality of the modern NBA game, but expressed optimism about his physical condition and readiness to compete.[8] Although he did not receive a contract or join the team for the Las Vegas Summer League, the camp provided valuable feedback and connections in his hometown organization.[38] Later in 2024, Wilkes earned a training camp invitation with the Indiana Mad Ants, the Pacers' G League affiliate.[5] He appeared for the team's media day on November 4, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where official photos highlighted his return to professional settings. However, Wilkes was waived by the Mad Ants on November 6, 2024, prior to the start of the 2024–25 G League season, resulting in no on-court appearances.[5] This brief stint underscored his ongoing efforts to secure a professional roster spot in the U.S. following recovery.[39]International play and recent developments
In March 2025, Wilkes signed with the Sosúa Sharks of the Dominican Republic's Balóncesto Superior de Puerto Plata league, marking his first professional stint abroad as he sought consistent playing time following domestic challenges.[40] He appeared in limited games for the Sharks during the tournament's early stages before being replaced by another import player later that month.[41] Due to the brevity of his tenure, Wilkes' statistical output was minimal, with no detailed averages reported from the stint.[42] This move came after Wilkes participated in an open tryout with the Indiana Mad Ants of the NBA G League in October 2024 but did not secure a spot on their opening day roster in November 2024.[39] Represented by agents Thaddeus Foucher and Joe Smith of Wasserman, Wilkes entered the 2025 offseason as an unrestricted free agent and has been actively pursuing his next professional opportunity as of November 2025.[43]Playing style and accolades
Playing style
Kris Wilkes plays primarily as a shooting guard or small forward, standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, with a 6-foot-11 wingspan that aids his defensive versatility across multiple positions.[44][45][3] His frame allows him to guard wings effectively by using his length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots, though he has historically struggled with physicality due to lacking upper-body strength, often getting pushed around in the post or on drives.[44][45] Among Wilkes' key strengths is his smooth mid-range jumper, characterized by a quick, compact release that enables efficient scoring from 15 to 20 feet, particularly in transition where his fluid movement and burst allow him to finish at the rim or pull up off the dribble.[44][45] He excels in off-ball movement, cutting effectively to create space for spot-up opportunities, and demonstrates solid rebounding instincts for his size by crashing the offensive glass and positioning well on the defensive end.[44][45] In college, he connected on 34.3 percent of three-point attempts across two seasons at UCLA, showcasing his potential as a perimeter threat in uptempo systems.[3] Wilkes' weaknesses include limitations in athleticism following a debilitating autoimmune illness in 2019 that impaired his lower-body explosiveness and quickness, reducing his ability to explode past defenders or recover laterally on switches. As of 2025, he is continuing recovery from a recent injury, which may further affect his athletic capabilities.[37][46] He has shown inconsistency in creating off the dribble, relying heavily on his right hand and struggling to break down help defense without superior physical tools, which has led to turnover-prone decisions in professional settings where pace and pressure intensify.[45][44] Throughout his career, Wilkes has evolved from a high-volume scorer in high school, where he relied on slashing and transition finishes to amass over 1,800 points, to a more facilitative role in college that emphasized passing and team play as a willing distributor with good vision.[3] In his professional adaptation, particularly after health setbacks, he has shifted toward a spot-up specialist archetype, leveraging his shooting mechanics and off-ball savvy to fit into structured offenses rather than relying on isolation creation.[37][45]Career accolades
During his high school career at North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, Kris Wilkes earned several prestigious honors, including being named the 2017 Indiana Mr. Basketball by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association and media voters.[10] He was also selected as a McDonald's All-American in 2017, recognizing him among the top senior prospects in the nation.[47] Additionally, Wilkes received first-team All-State honors from the Associated Press for his senior season performance.[48] As a highly touted recruit, Wilkes was rated as a five-star prospect and ranked No. 26 in the nation in the 2017 class by ESPN.[49] At UCLA, Wilkes garnered conference recognition early in his college career, earning a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team in 2018 for his contributions as a rookie starter.[3] In his sophomore year, he was named to the Second-team All-Pac-12 by conference coaches.[25] Wilkes has not received any major professional awards in the NBA G League or international leagues, where his playing time has been limited due to injuries and roster circumstances.[50]Career statistics
College statistics
Kris Wilkes played two seasons for the UCLA Bruins, appearing in 66 games and averaging 15.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while logging 30.8 minutes per contest.[51] His shooting efficiency included 43.6% from the field, 34.3% on three-point attempts, and 66.4% from the free-throw line across 834 field goal attempts, 364 from beyond the arc, and 259 free throws.[51] These per-game averages highlight his role as a primary scorer for UCLA, with consistent rebounding and playmaking contributions.[2] The following table summarizes Wilkes' per-season statistics during his UCLA tenure:| Season | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | 33 | 29.8 | .441 | .352 | .655 | 13.7 | 4.9 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
| 2018–19 | 33 | 31.7 | .433 | .337 | .671 | 17.4 | 4.8 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Career | 66 | 30.8 | .436 | .343 | .664 | 15.5 | 4.8 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
