Andrew Wiggins - Basketball Forum : Professional and College Basketball Forums

**Knicks4life** · 04-07-2012, 08:23 PM

http://nbadraft.net/players/andrew-wiggins
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/...-Wiggins-6191/

The Great Canadian Hope

**Knicks4life** · 05-10-2012, 11:04 PM

Canadian Andrew Wiggins is America’s No. 1 high school basketball prospect

Quote:

Chances are, Andrew Wiggins would be a bigger deal in his homeland if people knew how the basketball phenom is fuelled by his Canadian identity.

Hoopheads across Canada have kept tabs on Wiggins' progress since he was an adolescent tearing up the parquet in his native Thornhill, Ont., a Toronto suburb. It should only be a matter of when the astonishingly gifted 17-year-old small forward becomes a household name on par with any teenaged hockey prodigy whom Canadians have anointed The Next One.

Rivals.com has ranked Wiggins as the best player in his 2014 high school recruiting class. That means there's a chance he could be a top NBA pick come 2015 — or sooner, since he could fast-track the last two years of high school. Last year, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson became the first Canadian NBA lottery pick when he taken No. 4 overall. Wiggins might improve on that mark.

As Eric Bossi at Yahoo! Sports' Rivals.com illustrates, there need not be a question mark attached to headlines proclaiming that Wiggins is Canada's next hoops phenom.

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Wiggins has a blend of skill, athleticism, feel for the game and desire to win that is unmatched in the sophomore class. The top spot is something that he doesn't take lightly.

"It's an honor coming from Canada and being classified as the top prospect in another country," Wiggins told Rivals.com. "I just try to stay humble and it means another year of hard work for me because I know there are other hungry kids out there who want to be No. 1, too." (Rivals.com)

There's ample reason for Canadians to get on Wiggins' bandwagon beyond the obvious, which is that he's really, really good.

When it's a hockey wunderkind, Canadians tend to get emotionally invested like they had a hand in making him. That's just evidence of how puck-crazed Canadians are, or at least how puck-crazed the Canadian media is. It holds whether it's the phenom du jour, Nathan MacKinnon, or John Tavares a few years ago, Sidney Crosby a few years before him, Eric Lindros in the early 1990s, Wayne Gretzky in the late '70s and early '80s or Bobby Orr in the '60s. People see that can't-miss kid and fixate on how hard he worked, conjuring up a mental image of a boy getting up before dawn to practise on a backyard rink.

That romanticism can surely be applied to roundball, too. Those aforementioned hockey geniuses all hit the jackpot in the genetics lottery much the same way as Wiggins. The fact his parents were both elite athletes — mother Marita Payne-Wiggins won two relay silver medals for Canada in the 1984 Summer Olympics and his father Mitchell Wiggins was an itinerant NBA guard in the '80s and '90s — doesn't mean it's easy for him. It doesn't detract from his drive. The fact he's honing his game in the U.S. at Huntington Prep in West Virginia should not be a deal-breaker; why, didn't Crosby and MacKinnon each attend an American prep school before playing junior hockey?

Plus Wiggins has also put the Maple Leaf in his heart whenever he's been on the big stage. Last month, before the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Ore., a showcase event for top high school players from throughout the world, Wiggins told SB Nation's Ben Golliver that he gets more aspersions cast on him than the typical anointed future star due to nationality. People just don't think a Canadian can be that good, even when there's proof to the contrary. (Wiggins ended up being top scorer for the victorious World team in the game even though he was the youngest man on the floor.)

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He feels like a target, like anyone would in his situation, and he feels he gets it even worse because he's Canadian.

"[Americans] think less of us," he says, before stopping himself. "Well, not less of us, but like we're not as good as America. Put it that way."

Then he pivots: "I'm proud I'm from Canada. But especially because I'm from Canada and ranked No. 1, people might kinda hate on me ... people think Canadians aren't as good as Americans. Over the past couple of years. we showed them with our talent, Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, Steve Nash, I think we probably exposed that Canada has talent. We can go against the U.S.A."

A moment later, he is pointing out that Huntington Prep was not invited to the ESPN Rise National High School Invitational tournament. You can see that greatness gene — the ability to find slights anywhere and use them as fuel — beginning to form. (SB Nation)

Sure, there's probably some media coaching behind that, but it has a ring of sincerity. One can place Wiggins within the overall rise of Canadian basketball, which should hit a peak in 2016 when the senior men's national team reaches its first Olympics since Sydney in 2000. Ballers from north of the border have long had a tough road to respect, but mass awareness has gradually come that Canadians can play with anybody. Now there might be one Canadian who has more potential than any who has preceded him.

Long but great article on the next great player in this league.

**RollWithEm** · 05-11-2012, 09:49 AM

I've seen all the highlight clips on this guy, but does anyone know where I could actually find a game video?

**Knicks4life** · 05-11-2012, 09:52 AM

2012 Nike Hoop Summit

**RollWithEm** · 05-11-2012, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knicks4life

2012 Nike Hoop Summit

That was a quick response. Thank you.

Drewbs · 05-18-2012, 08:35 AM

best player regardless of class right now.

**RollWithEm** · 05-18-2012, 08:40 AM

This kid runs like a young Shawn Marion... like his legs literally contain springs.

**RollWithEm** · 05-18-2012, 08:54 AM

Oh and his jump shot has no wasted motion.

**RollWithEm** · 05-18-2012, 08:58 AM

But he still has a lot of that AAU feel to his game. He needs to get the clamps put on him a little bit.

JonMatrix · 07-31-2012, 12:00 PM

He is considering getting reclassified to the class of 2013.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...hool-prospects

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap..._Class_Of_2013

**E.H. Munro** · 07-31-2012, 01:15 PM

If he gets reclassified that 2014 draft is going to be a monster. Parker, Randle, Wiggins and the Harrison brothers. At least four of those guys are legit #1 selections in most years.

JonMatrix · 08-01-2012, 01:01 PM

The tanking that occurs during the 13-14 season will be epic.

**E.H. Munro** · 08-01-2012, 01:54 PM

If you think about it, you don't even need to tank as that top 10 is theoretically going to be loaded.

JonMatrix · 10-25-2012, 04:33 PM

It's official, he's in the class of '13 now. Supposedly he's deciding between Florida State, a place he could put on the map for basketball, and Kentucky, where he might be a part of the greatest recruiting class since the Fab Five. FWIW, the article says that both of his parents went to school in Tallahassee.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...-class-of-2013

Whenever there's a loaded draft like 2014 looks to be, there's always at least one or two teams who shamelessly tank. I agree with the premise that a potential franchise player could be drafted in the top 5. However, it still won't stop some owners/GMs from gutting rosters in preparation.

**RollWithEm** · 10-25-2012, 07:18 PM

This just got interesting.

04-07-2012, 08:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Knicks4life Too Big To Fail Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 8,201 Rep Power: 3012647	Andrew Wiggins http://nbadraft.net/players/andrew-wiggins http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/...-Wiggins-6191/ The Great Canadian Hope __________________ "Winning is the most important thing in my life,after breathing. Breathing first, winning next"-George Steinbrenner

05-11-2012, 09:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,173 Rep Power: 5962494	Re: Andrew Wiggins I've seen all the highlight clips on this guy, but does anyone know where I could actually find a game video? __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

05-11-2012, 09:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
Knicks4life Too Big To Fail Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 8,201 Rep Power: 3012647	Re: Andrew Wiggins 2012 Nike Hoop Summit __________________ "Winning is the most important thing in my life,after breathing. Breathing first, winning next"-George Steinbrenner

05-18-2012, 08:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
Drewbs All-Star Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NC Posts: 6,761 Rep Power: 928662	Re: Andrew Wiggins best player regardless of class right now.

05-18-2012, 08:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,173 Rep Power: 5962494	Re: Andrew Wiggins This kid runs like a young Shawn Marion... like his legs literally contain springs. __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

05-18-2012, 08:54 AM	#8 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,173 Rep Power: 5962494	Re: Andrew Wiggins Oh and his jump shot has no wasted motion. __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

05-18-2012, 08:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,173 Rep Power: 5962494	Re: Andrew Wiggins But he still has a lot of that AAU feel to his game. He needs to get the clamps put on him a little bit. __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

07-31-2012, 12:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
JonMatrix Veteran Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,168 Rep Power: 933842	Re: Andrew Wiggins He is considering getting reclassified to the class of 2013. http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...hool-prospects http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap..._Class_Of_2013 __________________ "I'm from America,our names don't mean ---- here"-Bruce Willis in Pulp Fiction Never underestimate the ability of stupid people in large groups. Last edited by JonMatrix; 07-31-2012 at 12:06 PM.

07-31-2012, 01:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
E.H. Munro Baddest Honky Mofo Alive Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 24,260 Rep Power: 21474869	Re: Andrew Wiggins If he gets reclassified that 2014 draft is going to be a monster. Parker, Randle, Wiggins and the Harrison brothers. At least four of those guys are legit #1 selections in most years. __________________ If everyone loves you you're doing it wrong. "Opium is the religion of the masses." Fred Reed The Power of 99 Press "He thinks it's going to be fun being governor. It's only fun being governor of New York if you have money to spend, and I spent it all." Nelson Rockefeller on his successor, Hugh Carey.

08-01-2012, 01:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
JonMatrix Veteran Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,168 Rep Power: 933842	Re: Andrew Wiggins The tanking that occurs during the 13-14 season will be epic. __________________ "I'm from America,our names don't mean ---- here"-Bruce Willis in Pulp Fiction Never underestimate the ability of stupid people in large groups.

08-01-2012, 01:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
E.H. Munro Baddest Honky Mofo Alive Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 24,260 Rep Power: 21474869	Re: Andrew Wiggins If you think about it, you don't even need to tank as that top 10 is theoretically going to be loaded. __________________ If everyone loves you you're doing it wrong. "Opium is the religion of the masses." Fred Reed The Power of 99 Press "He thinks it's going to be fun being governor. It's only fun being governor of New York if you have money to spend, and I spent it all." Nelson Rockefeller on his successor, Hugh Carey.

10-25-2012, 04:33 PM	#14 (permalink)
JonMatrix Veteran Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,168 Rep Power: 933842	Re: Andrew Wiggins It's official, he's in the class of '13 now. Supposedly he's deciding between Florida State, a place he could put on the map for basketball, and Kentucky, where he might be a part of the greatest recruiting class since the Fab Five. FWIW, the article says that both of his parents went to school in Tallahassee. http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...-class-of-2013 Whenever there's a loaded draft like 2014 looks to be, there's always at least one or two teams who shamelessly tank. I agree with the premise that a potential franchise player could be drafted in the top 5. However, it still won't stop some owners/GMs from gutting rosters in preparation. __________________ "I'm from America,our names don't mean ---- here"-Bruce Willis in Pulp Fiction Never underestimate the ability of stupid people in large groups.

10-25-2012, 07:18 PM	#15 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,173 Rep Power: 5962494	Re: Andrew Wiggins This just got interesting. __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

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