Jayden Wilkins Announces Newport High School Transfer

Family Legacy Meets New Campus

Jayden Wilkins, son of former NBA guard Damien Wilkins, officially declared via Instagram that he will suit up for Newport High School. Damien Wilkins inked ten seasons across Seattle/Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta and Indiana, and his uncle Dominique Wilkins is a Hall of Famer. The Wilkins name instantly adds prestige to the Newport Wildcats program.

Wilkins comes to Newport after stints with Overtime Elite in Atlanta and Southeastern Prep in Orlando. Those elite prep stops allowed him to sharpen his game while maintaining academic eligibility. The shift from nationally branded academies to a local high school signals a bold new phase for the 2026 recruit.

Newport’s head coach Rod Snapp watched Wilkins closely during Overtime Elite’s showcase events. Snapp praised the young guard’s work ethic and basketball IQ, noting that the community’s support will help Wilkins settle in quickly. The Wildcats are already building excitement around integrating a high‑profile talent into their roster.

Competing in the Regional Spotlight

The backdrop for Newport’s rise includes a fiercely competitive Ninth Region landscape, highlighted by standout matchups like Covington Catholic versus Conner. Game‑changing performances from players such as Cash Harney and Finn Louden set the tempo for the tournament. Newport will look to carve out its own narrative amid the high‑school basketball buzz.

Attendance at local games has surged, with fans eager to catch glimpses of the next wave of talent. The region’s coaches, scouts, and college recruiters will be monitoring Wilkins’ development closely. Each contest provides a platform for the young star to showcase his potential and draw national attention.

Taylen Kinney, a 5-star recruit and former Newport basketball star, committed to Kansas in September 2025. Kinney transferred to Overtime Elite in August 2024 after three varsity seasons at Newport.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Jayden Wilkins, son of ex-NBAer Damien, announces Newport HS transfer