Dominique Wilkins found himself in an particularly unfamiliar place Tuesday night, a place where he spent very little time — the Pam Pack bench. There was a look of humility across his face as he watched his former high school basketball team take on Greene Central.

Thirty-five years removed from the 1979 squad, one that featured five Division I players, the product Wilkins watched on the court was hardly comparable to that of his state championship-worthy brethren. Then again, few teams today are, few teams ever were.

Times have certainly changed. The trials and tribulations associated with Wilkins departure have long washed over, replaced by a city fully prepared to welcome back its prodigal son.

“When I went into the old building today, it was kind of a real feeling to see those tile floors are still there and here the air conditioner and heater still buzzing … it used to buzz back then,” Wilkins said. “(It was) kind of like nostalgia about this town and what we did. We did an unbelievable thing in this town … to go 76-1 in three years was pretty amazing.”

While some faces remain the same — former classmates, teammates, coaches and family — fans of all ages and backgrounds packed the David W. Smith Gymnasium like it was 1979, all eagerly awaiting the retirement of the first jersey in Pam Pack basketball history. The atmosphere was electric and when the ESPN cameras, local news media and members of the former state championship team took center court, all ears were tuned in to the nine-time NBA All-Star and Naismith Hall of Famer.

But first, a poem — “Don’t Quit” by John Greenleaf Whittier. Wilkins hated having to recite it game in and game out. But only after he graduated from Washington High School did Wilkins discover its true meaning.

“It was a life line. It showed us that if you put your mind to anything in life, you can accomplish any goal.”

Then, with is wife by his side, Wilkins received a framed No. 21 jersey in the signature Pam Pack blue, while a second larger one was unveiled. The latter will become a permanent fixture at Washington High School.

Wilkins hoisted his jersey and the gymnasium erupted. In that moment, a relationship that had once been broken was healed. All the locals’ distain, whatever was left of it, faded in applause and even the man they call the “Human Highlight Film” became emotional.

““For me, it was a real moment and it shows you how life comes full circle,” Wilkins said. “And to be with my family, wife, the fans that supported me for so many years, and give some respect to Coach Dave Smith.”

It was a memorable 13 minutes that will become etched into Washington history forever. Those in attendance witnessed sports history and soon, with the release of the ESPN Films 30-for-30 documentary, the world will too.

Dec. 16, the day City of Washington mayor announced as “Dominique Wilkins Day,” was more than just about the former Pam Pack legend’s homecoming, however. Prior to the game around 4 p.m., hundreds assembled in the Washington Civic Center to not only meet Wilkins, but also celebrate the accomplishments of the Pam Pack football team.

As Wilkins stood at the podium, most of the members of the eastern regional championship team stepped forward.

“Some of the things you did were the same things that happened in 1978, ’79, you uplifted a whole community,” Hodges told the players. “You don’t know what you did, but you had 3,000 people drive up to Winston-Salem to watch you play. It was an exciting time in Washington. You uplifted the whole community and we thank you for that.”

Head coach Sport Sawyer was presented with the Laurel Wreath Award, the highest honor given for outstanding athletic achievement in North Carolina, for fielding a team of character, resolve, academic integrity and, of course, ability.

“A lot of times, it’s not winning, but getting there is a big enough feat in itself,” Wilkins said to the team. “You can actually say you were one of a few teams who ever had the opportunity to play on that level. This is the time to pass the torch to young people like you who carry on that Pam Pack tradition. It’s a special honor to wear that blue and white.”

It was a day that will long be remembered for Washington players, coaches, fans and, well, just about everybody. In terms of athletic honor, there has never been a day quite like it.

“This is a great honor to come back to where it all started for me,” Wilkins said. “I’m so sorry I stayed away so long, but it’s not how long you stay (away), it’s when you come back. And now I’m back.”