Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana University’s redshirt senior guard, recently made headlines for his generous six-figure donation to Sam Houston State’s men’s basketball program. It’s a gesture that’s really struck a chord in the sports world.
Wilkerson played three years with the BearKats and earned two-time all-conference honors. Now, he’s decided to give back to the program that shaped his career.
This act is a pretty clear sign of how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) income can change things for college athletes and the communities they care about.
The Genesis of Wilkerson’s Generosity
Growing up in Ashdown, Arkansas, Lamar Wilkerson didn’t really have much mentorship in basketball. He had support from friends and family, but not a lot of guidance to help him see a future in the sport.
He worked his way through high school and JUCO ball. Eventually, he landed at Three Rivers College, where he averaged 16.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during the 2021-22 season.
That’s where Sam Houston State’s staff noticed him and offered a scholarship. It was a big turning point.
From Humble Beginnings to College Stardom
At Sam Houston State, Wilkerson really found his stride. Over three seasons in Huntsville, Texas, he twice earned first-team All-Conference USA honors.
Last winter, he averaged 20.5 points per game. That performance set him up for a transfer to Indiana University, where he joined as one of the more high-profile guards in the portal last spring.
The Decision to Give Back
Wilkerson saw the financial opportunities that come with a high-major program and started talking with his agent, Cody Hopkins, about how to give back. Hopkins suggested donating directly to Sam Houston State’s basketball program, and Wilkerson was all in.
He told BearKats coach Chris Mudge about his decision and asked to keep it under wraps. No big announcement, no fanfare—just a genuine gesture.
A Selfless Act with No Strings Attached
Wilkerson describes his donation as six figures, and he’s not putting any conditions on it. He trusts Coach Mudge to use the money wherever it’s most needed, whether that’s resources, NIL efforts, or something else.
Really, his main hope is to give someone else the same shot that Sam Houston State gave him. That’s it.
The Broader Impact of NIL Income
Wilkerson’s story fits into a bigger picture about NIL income and college athletes. There’s been a lot of talk—some folks worried that paying players would wreck locker rooms or put smaller programs in a tough spot.
But examples like Wilkerson’s suggest that plenty of athletes are actually using their newfound financial freedom for good. That’s something worth noticing.
Other Athletes Making a Difference
Wilkerson isn’t the only one. Anthony Leal paid off his sister’s student loans, and former Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum raised $30,000 for the university’s children’s hospital.
Blake Corum, Michigan’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, has jumped into multiple charitable causes—including an annual turkey drive in Michigan. It’s clear that, given the chance, a lot of these athletes want to give back.
A New Era in College Athletics
Wilkerson’s donation is one of those moments that shows how NIL income is changing college sports. Athletes can support themselves, but they’re also able to help the programs and communities that got them there.
It’s a shift that kind of flies in the face of the old idea that college athletes are just looking out for themselves.
The Future of NIL and Philanthropy
As more athletes like Wilkerson use their NIL income for good, we’ll probably see more philanthropy in college sports. Maybe that’ll help change how people view NIL and what it means for college athletics.
Lamar Wilkerson’s Gift: Generosity in College Sports
Lamar Wilkerson made a six-figure donation to Sam Houston State’s men’s basketball program. He used his NIL income to give back in a way that’s honestly pretty inspiring.
It’s not every day you see a college athlete use their platform and new financial freedom like this. Makes you wonder what other stories are out there, doesn’t it?
If you’re curious about the details or just want to read more, check out the full story on IndyStar.
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