Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson Gifts Mom a New Cadillac Escalade

The star guard surprised his mom, Kizzy Stewart, with the SUV after his final home game at Indiana.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Indiana basketball senior guard Lamar Wilkerson gifted his mom, Kizzy Stewart, a brand new 2026 Cadillac Escalade after his final home game at Indiana. Kizzy was overjoyed and emotional when she saw the car, which had a red bow on it, jumping and dancing with excitement. Lamar said his mom "deserves the world, the stars and everything in it" for all the sacrifices she made to support him throughout his basketball career.

Why it matters

This heartwarming gesture by Lamar Wilkerson highlights the strong bond between a mother and son, and the appreciation Lamar has for his mom's unwavering support. It's an inspiring story of a student-athlete using their platform and success to give back to the person who means the most to them.

The details

After Indiana's 74-44 win over Minnesota on Senior Night, Lamar took his mom to a parking garage where he had the new Cadillac Escalade waiting for her. Kizzy was shocked and overjoyed when she saw the car, dropping her phone and soda in the excitement. Lamar said the all-black SUV represents how his mom is "always in the shadows and often overlooked." The Escalade, which won the 2026 MotorTrend SUV of the Year award, has a 55-inch digital dashboard and video screens in the back seats.

  • Lamar gifted the car to Kizzy on March 4, 2026, after Indiana's final home game of the season.
  • Kizzy drove 10 hours from Ashdown, Arkansas to Bloomington to watch Lamar's Senior Day game.

The players

Lamar Wilkerson

Indiana basketball's star senior guard who has developed into one of the Big Ten's best scorers, averaging 23.5 points per game in conference play.

Kizzy Stewart

Lamar's mom, who he credits for making sacrifices and providing unwavering support throughout his basketball career.

Darian DeVries

Indiana's head basketball coach, who praised Lamar's versatility and ability to produce despite being the focus of opposing teams' scouting reports.

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What they’re saying

“Without mama dukes, I ain't nothing, man. I ain't nothing.”

— Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana Basketball Senior Guard (SI.com)

“She deserves it, man. She deserves the world, the stars and everything in it.”

— Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana Basketball Senior Guard (SI.com)

“It's my dream come true. I love everything about it. I can't believe it's mine.”

— Kizzy Stewart, Lamar Wilkerson's Mom (SI.com)

What’s next

Lamar Wilkerson and the Indiana Hoosiers will next compete in the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago, where they hope to secure an NCAA Tournament bid.

The takeaway

Lamar Wilkerson's heartfelt gesture to gift his mom a new Cadillac Escalade exemplifies the power of family, gratitude, and using one's platform to uplift the people who matter most. This story resonates as an inspiring reminder of the importance of honoring and supporting the loved ones who have sacrificed so much to help us achieve our dreams.