In order to honor David “Skywalker” Thompson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of North Carolina State University (NCSU), the university unveiled his statue outside of Reynolds Coliseum on December 6, 2023. The artist who created this statue is David Allen Clark of Wyoming, who is considered one of the finest realist and portrait sculptors of our time.  The statue of David Thompson is made of bronze and stands 13 feet tall, depicting Thompson catching an alley hoop pass, the creating of which is mainly credited to Thompson and his team.

David Thompson played for the NCSU Wolfpack from 1972 to 1975 and had a remarkable college career. Here are some key points about David Thompson:

Position: Thompson played as a shooting guard and small forward during his college career.

Accolades: He achieved numerous accolades during his time at NCSU, including being a three-time ACC Player of the Year (1973-1975) and a two-time consensus First Team All-American (1974-1975).

National Championships: David Thompson led the Wolfpack to the NCAA National Championship in 1974. The team, coached by Norm Sloan, went undefeated that season and defeated Marquette in the championship game.

Skywalker: Thompson earned the nickname “Skywalker” due to his incredible leaping ability. His dunks and scoring prowess were ahead of his time, making him a legendary figure in college basketball.

Statistical Achievements: He set numerous records during his college career, including scoring 57 points in a single game against Buffalo in 1974. His scoring ability and overall impact on the game were exceptional.

Legacy: David Thompson’s impact on college basketball and NCSU is lasting. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and played a significant role in putting NCSU on the national basketball map.

After his college career, David Thompson went on to have a successful professional career in the NBA, primarily playing for the Denver Nuggets and the Seattle SuperSonics. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996, solidifying his place as one of the basketball greats.

If you or someone you know receive a traffic ticket or any other criminal charge in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick Counties, or if you or someone you know get seriously injured in an accident at which they were not at fault, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By Jana H. Collins

Wilmington, North Carolina, is known for its mild coastal climate, we occasionally experience subfreezing temperatures that can catch us off guard. As winter brings chilly weather to our otherwise temperate region, it is essential to take precautions to stay safe and protect our homes.

The onset of subfreezing temperatures can lead to various challenges, including icy roads and sidewalks. Residents need to exercise caution when driving or walking, as black ice can be particularly treacherous. It is advisable to use salt or sand on icy surfaces to improve traction and prevent slips and falls.

When temperatures drop, it is crucial to protect the pipes from freezing. Insulate exposed pipes and faucets and leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate. Dripping faucets can also prevent pipes from freezing, reducing the risk of costly damage.

For those with pets, it is essential to bring them indoors during subfreezing weather. If that is not possible, then make sure the pets have a warm and sheltered space with proper bedding. Provide fresh water regularly, as water bowls can freeze in the cold.

Also, be mindful of your heating systems. Ensure that heaters are in good working condition and have been inspected recently. Space heaters should be used with caution, placed away from flammable materials, and never left unattended.

Wilmington may not experience extreme cold regularly, but when subfreezing temperatures arrive, it is essential to be prepared. Keep an emergency kit with blankets, extra clothing, and non-perishable food items in case of power outages or other weather-related disruptions.

By Jana H. Collins

In recent times, a disturbing trend has been on the rise across the nation – the nationwide jury duty scam that preys on unsuspecting individuals, instilling fear by threatening arrest. This deceptive scheme exploits the anxiety and confusion surrounding jury duty, aiming to manipulate people into divulging personal information or paying fraudulent fines. In this blog, we will shed light on the nature of this scam, how it works, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

The nationwide jury duty scam typically begins with a phone call or an official-looking letter claiming to be from a local court or law enforcement agency. The scammer will assert that the recipient has failed to fulfill their civic duty by not appearing for jury duty and, as a result, is facing imminent arrest. The threats of legal consequences and arrest are designed to create panic and coerce individuals into compliance.

Scammers employ scare tactics to increase the likelihood of their victims complying with their demands. They may mention fictitious fines, imminent arrest warrants, or court appearances to pressure individuals into providing sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers, bank details, or even payments in the form of gift cards or wire transfers.

On January 11, 2024, the Wilmington Star News reported on the front page an increase in these types of scams. Collins Law Firm has received calls from potential victims of these types of scams in Brunswick County, New Hanover County, and Pender County.  In each and every case, the caller seeking legal advice was told by our staff that it was almost certainly a scam. And every single case in which we were retained to investigate, we were able to conclude it was a scam perpetrated by fraudsters.  Please google Wilmington Star News “Jury Duty Scam Threatens Arrest if the Fine Isn’t Paid” and read the article.

If you or someone you know receive a traffic ticket or any other criminal charge in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick Counties, or if you or someone you know get seriously injured in an accident at which they were not at fault, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By Jana H. Collins