VCU Hall of Fame inductee dies of cancer
Jessica Wetzler
Sports Editor
VCU Athletics announced Oct. 15 that VCU Hall of Fame inductee Charles “Jabo” Wilkins died at age 70 due to complications from brain cancer.
Wilkins was a Richmond native, graduating from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School and transferring to VCU in 1968 after attending Fayetteville State University. He played for the Rams for three seasons as a guard/forward and averaged 23.8 points — which remains a VCU record.
To this day, Wilkins is the only player in the program’s history to average more than 20 points in three consecutive seasons. He also holds a record in rebounding, recording 16.6 boards per game in 1969-70.
He still holds a VCU game record for scoring 45 points in a 106-100 overtime win over West Liberty University in December 1968.
Wilkins averaged 27.5 points and 16.6 rebounds in 1969-70, both program records. In 72 career games, the versatile wing scored 1,716 points, good for fourth all-time.
Wilkins helped lead VCU to a landmark victory over the University of Minnesota in 1970 and scored 40 points over Virginia Union University in 1971.
In 1996, Wilkins was inducted to the VCU Athletics Hall of Fame and selected to be a member of VCU’s all-time team as part of the 50th anniversary celebration.
“At this time, there are no plans in place to retire Charles Wilkins’ jersey,” said Chris Kowalczyk, assistant athletic director for athletics communications.
