Former NBA player Jim McIlvaine expressed his gratitude that his family is safe after they were rear-ended in a car accident.
James Michael McIlvaine is a retired American basketball player who played seven seasons in the NBA.
Highlights
- His wife, Gwendolyn, who was driving, and son, Kent, are fine. Jim got knocked out and lost his glasses and work phone, but he had his flip phone.
- His daughter, Blythe Darby, is in ICU and undergoing an MRI.
- Tina Thompson commented that the damage to the back of the car was shocking but is relieved that everyone is alive and receiving the necessary treatment.
He played for teams like the Washington Bullets, Seattle SuperSonics, and New Jersey Nets.
Standing 7 feet 1 inch, he was known for his shot-blocking skills. He’s often remembered for the controversy that followed when he joined the Seattle SuperSonics in 1996.
McIlvaine is married to Gwendolyn, a 6’7″ center who played on the University of North Carolina’s women’s basketball team that won the 1994 championship.
He also worked as a radio color analyst for Marquette men’s basketball and now works online with Optima Batteries in Milwaukee.
Jim McIlvaine Shares Details of Recent Car Accident Involving His Family
His wife Gwendolyn, who was driving, and Kent are fine. Jim got knocked out and lost his glasses and work phone, but he had his flip phone.
The hospital let him go home on 25 February, and he’s doing alright, considering the circumstances.
However, his daughter, Blythe Darby, is in ICU and undergoing an MRI.
He asked for prayers for her, believing they would help, and mentioned he would provide updates when he could, though it may be limited without his glasses.
Thank God my family is alive! We were rear ended and Gwendolyn (driving) and Kent are fine. I got knocked out, lost my glasses and my work phone (but have my flip phone). The hospital released me tonight and I’m decent all things considered. My daughter, Blythe Darby does need your prayers please. I believe your prayers will help. She is in ICU right now and undergoing a MRI. I’ll post updates as I am able, but it won’t be much without mu glasses.
Jim McIlvaine
Many people have expressed their support through prayers in response to the situation.
Everyone has been sending positive thoughts and hoping for healing, especially for Blythe Darby.
A Facebook user, Tina Thompson, commented that the damage to the back of the car was shocking but is relieved that everyone is alive and receiving the necessary treatment. She asked how fast the vehicle that hit them was going.
Further, Christine Unitas Baron expressed concern and said she’s praying everything will be okay.
Next, Andrew Geisler sent positive thoughts and prayers for Jim and his family.
Then, Mary Tobin shared that all her prayers are with Jim’s family, and she’s calling in prayer networks, hoping for miracles and strength for Gwendolyn and Jim.
Hey @Cadillac an F250 rear ended our DTS at speed. My son, wife and I are fine, but my daughter is in ICU. Thank you for making a car that could take the hit and keep us alive! Please pray for my daughter pic.twitter.com/z7qMkBPfYv
— Jim McIlvaine (@JimMcIlvaine) February 25, 2025
Well, McIlvaine finished his career with the New Jersey Nets, where he struggled with injuries over three seasons.
He performed best in the 1999–2000 season since leaving Seattle, playing 66 games.
However, ongoing injury issues and a drop in performance eventually led to the Nets buying out his contract after the 2000–01 NBA season.
Additional Information
- James McIlvaine played high school basketball at St. Catherine’s in Racine, averaging 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 8.1 blocked shots in his senior year.
- He also set a school record by blocking 399 shots at Marquette University.
- McIlvaine was named the NABC Defensive Player of the Year and was drafted by the Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards) in the second round of the 1994 NBA Draft.
