Darrell Griffith “Dr. Dunkenstein” is often looked at as the greatest college player to come out of Louisville in the late ‘70’s- ‘80’s, if that’s the case, than right behind him is his teammate and Card cohort Rick Wilson.
Their natural friendship and shared hometown made these two an obvious pairing for Coach Crum, before Griffith’s arrival though Wilson was already making a name for himself.
An Atherton High School alum Wilson was a major standout prior to reaching Louisville’s campus as a freshman in 1974. The Cards were already a powerhouse team during Wilson’s initial year with the team, and they made it to the NCAA final four with Wilson playing the role of a reserve player.
The following year it only made sense that Wilson would become a starter and he led the Cards to the 1976 National Invitational Tournament.
That following year though a freshman and brash Darrell Griffith joined the team and suddenly Wilson found the support he needed as the two of them led the team to the 1977 NCAA tournament. In his senior year Wilson had his most impressive stats, leading the Cards to the 1978 Metro Conference Championships; further Wilson was named the MVP of the Metro conference.
Because of his total college achievements when NBA scouts came calling it came as little surprise. And, sure enough Wilson made his way to the Atlanta Hawks in 1978, after being released by Atlanta Wilson played semi-pro ball with the Utica Olympics and the Atlantic City Hi-Rollers.
Today, Wilson’s name has become known for a talent mixed with work ethic for countless Louisville fans, and that is why Rick Wilson is a sports legend of the ‘ville.
Outside Sources
Image courtesy of The Draft Review
