Where will Andrew Wiggins go?
That’s the question many basketball fans around Canada and the U.S. are asking today.
Here are the Top 5 choices by all accounts (in no order):
Kansas
Kentucky
North Carolina
Florida State
Wichita State
As I tweeted earlier, I’m predicting that this phenom — born in Toronto and raised in Thornhill — will choose Florida State. His father, Mitchell, played for the Seminoles and his mother, Marita Payne Wiggins, ran track there as well.
Add to the fact that the Seminoles would give Wiggins his own team to ‘star’ on; a program that would be truly built (re-built) around the youngster, and I think that’s why he goes to Tallahassee. It also doesn’t hurt that his high school teammate, friend and fellow Canadian, Xavier Rathan-Mayes has already signed-on with the ‘Noles as well.
But a case can certainly be made that Wiggins would be better served to head to a bigger, more-established program. The Canadian star shouldn’t have to worry about flaming out — his talent is legit. He’s not a flash in the pan. The kid is a star-in-the-making if he hasn’t reached that elite status already.
Wiggins will be featured on nationally-televised games in the U.S. (and Canada) every week, and barring a major setback, he’ll be the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft as well. Plus, he will get a ton of international exposure with Team Canada. However, being in the spotlight all of the time can expose his warts as well.
If anyone is waiting to find faults or flaws to Wiggins’ game, they could easily be magnified that much more at a ‘smaller’ basketball program like FSU. Wiggins could ‘hide’ a little more at some of the bigger schools mentioned above.
Kentucky is stacked. Wiggins would only add to their vast talent. They’re, arguably, already the leading contenders for the 2014 NCAA Championship and adding Wiggins would vault them even closer to the top.
North Carolina has a rich tradition that cannot be denied. Wiggins’ presence may make them the top team in the ACC. But keep in mind the fact that the conference is changing this year and becoming a lot more competitive. Will it be harder to win when facing massive competition from Syracuse, Notre Dame and others?
Kansas has lost (or is about to lose) a ton of talent to the NBA Draft. They’ll be depleted but Wiggins would keep them relevant and in contention.
The Wichita State Shockers are a sentimental long shot given that Wiggins’ brother, Nick, plays there. I’d be shocked (pardon the pun) if this was the ultimate choice though.
The decision will be announced around 12 – 1215 p.m. ET today. Keep it tuned to Sportsnet.ca and Sportsnet 590 the FAN for the latest.