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BY WHITELAW REID E VERY SUCCESSFUL TEAM needs a player who doesn't mind doing the dirty work. For Virginia, that player is second-year forward Isaiah Wilkins. Wilkins' teammates say his motor is what makes him special. "He's someone that doesn't stop," Virginia red- shirt fourth-year forward Anthony Gill said. The stepson of former NBA star Dominique Wilkins has always prided himself on that. Growing up, Wilkins emulated the play of Dennis Rodman, one of Nique's contemporaries. Wilkins said he has studied Rodman on YouTube. "He played so hard," Wilkins said. "I love to base my game off of what Rodman did — just being a straight energy, rebounding and defending-type guy." That's not to say Wilkins didn't pick up anything from his namesake who went by the nickname "The Human Highlight Film" during his days. "He's been really helpful in making decisions and talking about how I should approach college — not only for basketball, but from an academic stand- point," said Wilkins, shortly after he arrived at UVA. Unfortunately, Wilkins said his stepfather hasn't been able to make it to any games because of his busy travel schedule as a broadcaster for the Atlanta Hawks. If the Hall of Famer is ever able to make one, he will see a player who has become an important cog. Last season as a true first-year, Wilkins showed flashes of being able to do some of the things that former Virginia players Darion Atkins and Akil Mitchell were known for. He had nine rebounds in a win at Wake Forest and had two games in which he blocked three shots. Through 19 games this season, Wilkins was aver- aging 4.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists, while leading the team in blocks (17) and ranking third in steals (15). He was also shooting 51.5 percent from the field, while showing an improved jumpshot. Redshirt fourth-year guard Malcolm Brogdon said Wilkins is the best passing big man on the team and, arguably, the Wahoos' best passer period. Wilkins has the most assists (29) of any UVA frontcourt player. "At times, he's too unselfish," Brogdon said. "He's always looking for the pass. When he finds that balance of where he's getting people open, but also looking for his shot and being aggressive, we're re- ally at our best." Gill noted that Wilkins' rebounding is also another big plus. "He's always crashing the glass," he said. "It re- ally helps us. When he comes in the game, you know GLUE GUY Second-Year Forward Isaiah Wilkins Fills An Important Role For The Cavaliers