Andrew Wiggins: The Next Franchise Talent

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Aug 312012
 
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Andrew Wiggins: The Next Franchise Talent

Andrew Wiggins was just a high school sophomore last season, but it’s clear that he’s the next franchise level prospect on the NBA horizon.

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Andrew WigginsAndrew WigginsAndrew Wiggins, a 6’7” small forward from Toronto, Ontario, is arguably the best high school basketball player in America. Earlier this year Sports Illustrated ran a cover story proclaiming Chicagoan Jabari Parker to be the best high school prospect to come along since LeBron James. The peculiar thing about that is that most analysts agree Parker, as good as he is, isn’t on the level of another current prep prospect, Wiggins.

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Canadian Prep Star Makes LeBron James Get Out of His Seat

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Jul 102012
 

Top high school prospect Andrew Wiggins is impressing some big name people these days. Wiggins was so dominating at the LeBron James Skills Academy that he made the camp’s namesake get out of his seat during a scrimmage. Watch at :30 as he drives from the three point line and tries an acrobatic dunk.
When you excite the reigning NBA MVP, you’ve probably got a bright future ahead.
Click here to view the embedded video.
It’s hard not to be impressed with these highlights. Wiggins already stands six foot seven and has two more years of high school. According to Cameron Smith, of Prep Rally, Wiggins already has a scholarship offer from Kentucky.
Somehow, I’m not surprised.
H/T Prep Rally

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Can Steve Nash Save Canadian Basketball?

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May 082012
 

Steve Nash might not know where he will be suiting up next season, but he knows where his heart is.

On Tuesday, the two-time NBA MVP was named the General Manger of Canada Basketball’s senior men’s national team.

This is great news for Canada Basketball. With a wealth of young talent who will be in the program in the years to come, having the country’s most successful professional player and biggest ambassador on board is a smart move. 

The 38 year old Nash is currently a free agent coming off of a season in which he shot a mind-boggling 53 percent from the floor, 39 percent from the three-point line and 89 percent from the free throw line while averaging 12.5 points and 10.7 assists per game. If there’s a name (and a face) that represents Canadian basketball, it’s Nash and it’ll be great for those athletes who are involved with the program to get to have the guidance and wisdom of Nash.

Don’t look at this new role as any indication that Nash will not be in an NBA uniform next season, though. Coming off of such a strong year and with plenty of teams eager to complement their rosters with a vet as savvy and skilled as Nash, there is money to be made and he will make it.

Passionate about basketball in Canada, here’s what Nash had to say at a press conference announcing his new role (via National Post):

Nash, 38, said he is up to the challenge of turning the program into an international success.

“I’m thrilled to be able to take on this challenge. We have lots of work to do and I’m excited to get started,” he said. “With the talent we are developing in this country, Canada has an opportunity to become one of the top basketball nations in the world. There is no reason why, if we nurture and support these great young players and give them the tools they need, that we can’t be a medal contender at the Olympics.”

While Nash is rightfully singled out as Canada’s greatest export, there is a new wave of talent on the cusp of re-inventing Canadian basketball. Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph both entered the NBA last season, with Thompson being a fourth overall pick. 

Tuesday afternoon Twitter timelines were flooded with Canadians prep stars and college players tweeting their congratulations and excitement over Nash’s news. This is good news for Canadian Basketball. As a Canadian who loves this game, I’m happy. If you’re an American who thinks it’s only hockey up here, take note. And if you’re not familiar with the name Andrew Wiggins, start brushing up now. You’ll thank me later. 

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