Wilkins was born and raised in Lilburne, Georgia (USA) where he attended Greater Atlanta Christian School. He then signed to play his college basketball at the University of Virginia where he studied and played for 4 years. In his junior year he led the university in rebounding, blocked shots and steals. He also was named to the All-ACC Defensive Team. Then in 2017-18 (senior year) Wilkins was a captain in the team while being named All-ACC Defensive player of the year. Isaiah played alongside New Zealand Jack Salt at the University of Virginia and played for coach Tony Bennett who played in the New Zealand for the North Harbour NBL team. After college, Isaiah joined the Houston Rockets for the NBA Summer League and then received a training camp deal at the Charlotte Hornets. Out of his training camp deal with the Hornets he was signed to the Greensboro Swarm roster to play in the NBA G-League.
The Wheeler Motor Company Rams are Canterbury’s premier basketball team which competes in the Sal’s New Zealand NBL competition.