In the summer, activity at the University of Virginia isn’t as hectic with many students out of town. Entering his final season with the UVA basketball team, Isaiah Wilkins is making sure to appreciate the quiet time around Grounds.
Wilkins and his Cavalier teammates are in town for a summer session, limited practice time, and workouts.
”I’m just appreciating what we’ve got going on day to day,” Wilkins said. ”We got up at six this morning and ran. I know that sounds terrible, but it’s the last year and I’m trying to take it all in. I talk to some guys who’ve left that don’t play ball anymore and they always say the same things. Really appreciate the time you have with each other because the real world, it’s not the same. I’m just taking it in, trying to help the young guys, and really just enjoying this time. The summer’s pretty cool because there’s not a lot of people here so there’s a lot of bonding going on.”
When the Hoos’ season ended in the NCAA Tournament against Florida, Wilkins sat inactive on the bench after battling a late season illness that cost him 15 to 20 pounds over approximately three weeks. While it took some time to reach full strength, the forward worked his way back and is working on a variety of things this offseason. That includes things like post moves, shooting range, and more on offense as well as the expected conditioning work that comes at this time of year. Wilkins checks in at approximately 220 pounds on the scales right now.
All of that should be welcomed news for UVA fans, who saw Wilkins put up a strong season as a junior with averages of 6.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game. He also logged a strong defensive season. Wilkins’ defensive rating per 100 possessions ended up at 88.4, comparable to Akil Mitchell’s 88.2 rating as a senior.
”It took about a month after the season ended until I was back. By the time I got home, I was alright and slowly easing back into workouts,” Wilkins said. “Now I’m on full go. I’m down some weight, which is where I want to stay. I feel good.”
Watch the latest practice video below!
