For the first time since being inducted into the James Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Jamaal “Keith” Wilkes will be honored in person on a Channel League court.
His high school playing days at Ventura and Santa Barbara High Schools served as a launching pad to a decorated NCAA career at UCLA that blossomed further into a Hall of Fame career with four NBA titles.
“To have Ventura High School a part of the history of Jamaal Wilkes is a great honor,” said current Ventura head basketball coach Dan Larson. “He is one of the best players ever to play the game and is such an honorable person. His example is very valuable for the young people in our basketball program and in our school.”
The ceremony will take place in Ventura High School’s Bob Tuttle Gym before the Cougars’ game vs. Santa Barbara on Monday, January 28. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. and tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Wilkes was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September of 2012. In December, Wilkes joined another elite group when his No. 52 jersey was officially retired by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wilkes grew up in Ventura and played for the Cougars before transferring to play at Santa Barbara High for his senior season.
