Report: Isaiah Wilkins reaches training camp deal with Charlotte Hornets

The Athletic’s Michael Scotto reported on Saturday afternoon that former Virginia Cavaliers forward Isaiah Wilkins has agreed to a training camp deal with the Charlotte Hornet.

This comes as a bit of a surprise to the casual fan, who saw Wilkins show up on the Houston Rockets’ summer league roster before inexplicably getting cut before the leagues even started. Wilkins did not play for any other teams, so many were expecting perhaps an overseas stint.

Instead, the 2018 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Defensive honoree will have the chance to prove himself and try to earn a spot on the Hornets’ roster.

This isn’t the first time the Hornets have taken a chance on a former UVA player. In 2016, they signed former UVA big man Mike Tobey, releasing him in October after a couple preseason games. He was brought back up to the Hornets for two 10-day contracts in February 2017 before being sent back to the developmental league. Tobey played for Iberostar Tenerife this past season, but will be playing for Valencia Basket, the same team he played for in 2017 when they were crowned the Spanish League Champions.

It’s an uphill battle for Wilkins for sure, and there are still a lot of question marks ahead. But this is the first step in continuing his journey towards a professional career.