Andrew Wiggins: From Kansas Jayhawk to NBA Champion
Andrew Christian Wiggins, a Canadian professional basketball player, has carved a remarkable path from his early days in Toronto to the pinnacle of the NBA. This article delves into his college career stats at Kansas, highlighting his impact and transition to professional basketball.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in Vaughan, Wiggins is the son of former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins and Olympic track and field sprinter Marita Payne-Wiggins. He began playing organized basketball at age nine. His early basketball journey took him from Vaughan Secondary School to Huntington Prep School in West Virginia. During his junior season, he averaged impressive stats: 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. Wiggins' outstanding high school performance earned him accolades such as the 2013 Naismith Prep Player of the Year and the 2013 Gatorade National Player of the Year, making him the first Canadian player to receive this honor. In May 2013, he was named Mr. Basketball USA.
College Career at Kansas
Wiggins committed to the University of Kansas, where he played for one season. During his freshman year, he averaged 17.1 points per game (ppg) and 5.9 rebounds per game (rpg), while shooting 34.1% from three-point range. On January 22, 2014, Wiggins was named a Top 25 Finalist for the John R. Wooden Award.
NBA Draft and Early Career
On March 31, 2014, Wiggins declared for the 2014 NBA draft. He was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 26, 2014, becoming the second Canadian to be picked number one in the draft, following Anthony Bennett. However, before playing a single game for the Cavaliers, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a three-team deal.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Wiggins quickly made his mark with the Timberwolves, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors for the 2014-15 season. On October 11, 2017, Wiggins signed a five-year, $148 million contract extension with the Timberwolves. On October 22, he scored 27 points, including the game-winning three-pointer, in a 115-113 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He continued to showcase his scoring ability, including a season-high 40 points in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers on January 22, 2018. On February 7, 2018, in a 140-138 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wiggins reached 6,000 career points.
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Golden State Warriors
After five-and-a-half seasons with Minnesota, Wiggins was traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2020. In 2022, Wiggins won his first NBA championship and was selected for his first NBA All-Star game, and was named a Western Conference starter. On December 6, 2021, Wiggins scored 28 points on a career-high eight three-pointers made, in a 126-95 win over the Orlando Magic. On January 27, 2022, he was named a Western Conference starter for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, his first All-Star selection. In Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Wiggins posted a 17-point, 16-rebound double-double in a 107-97 win over the Boston Celtics. In Game 5, he logged a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double in a 104-94 win. Wiggins won his first NBA championship after the Warriors defeated the Celtics in six games. On October 15, 2022, Wiggins signed a four-year contract extension worth $109 million with the Warriors. On November 20, Wiggins scored 22 points on 6-of-11 shooting from three-point range.
Miami Heat
The Warriors traded Wiggins to the Miami Heat. On March 24, 2025, "Wiggins scores 42 points and Heat roll past Hornets 122-105 to snap 10-game losing streak". On November 10, 2025, "Andrew Wiggins' alley-oop dunk at OT buzzer gives Heat a 140-138 win over the Cavaliers".
National Team Career
Wiggins has also represented Canada on the international stage. He played for Canada at the 2012 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, where the team captured a bronze medal. He was also named to the Canadian national team's roster for the Tuto Marchland Continental Cup in 2015 and participated in the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.
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