In the midst of the PBA Finals fiasco here in the Philippines, some fiasco is also happening in the US, this time in the College Basketball ranks. So, might as well talk about this fiasco.
Today, May 15 midnight in the Philippines, and May 14 around lunch time in the United States, top college basketball recruit Andrew Wiggins finally decided which school he was going to. He cut down his list to 4 schools and those are; North Carolina which has James Michael McAdoo returning for them, Kansas which has the #3 Class for 2013, Kentucky which probably has the MOST talented recruiting class EVER and Florida State which is the alma mater of Andrew's parents.
Many basketball fans thought UNC was Andrew's best fit since he would practically be the star in that team. Plus, he'd be facing off against Jabari Parker's Duke Blue Devils, the rivals of UNC, whereas Jabari is the #2 college basketball recruit for this year. A number also thought Kentucky, since Andrew joining Kentucky would mean an almost automatic championship. Of course, there was the "parent pressure" factor of going to Florida State.
What about Kansas? Only a few thought of Wiggins going to Kansas.
Low and behold, Andrew Wiggins decided to go to the Kansas Jayhawks for College.
Before I talk about Andrew and his decision to go to the Jayhawks, let's explain the background of the Andrew Wiggins fellow.
Andrew Wiggins is a Candian 18 year old Basketball phenom, studying at Hunnington Prep for High School. A number of basketball purists have called him "The next big thing since LeBron", so in short, he is being tagged as The Next Chosen One. Originally, he was the top prospect of the 2014 Class, but he reclassified to the 2013 Class just last year. He took the #1 spot in the 2013 Class from Chicago native, Jabari Parker, who is taking his talents to the Duke Blue Devils.
Now, among the top 5 recruits, he was the last one to make his decision on what school he'll be attending. College Basketball fans anxiously waited for his decision. Then, May 14 came.
Let this sink into you first; he is being tagged as "The next big thing as LeBron". That is how scrutinized this kid is. The pressure on him is tremendous. The tag is there on him for good reason, yes. He hasn't played a single basketball game in college hoops, yet he is being tagged with such an honor. In short, his decision would rock the very foundation of college basketball. The team he would go to would instantly become contenders. Pretty much just like LeBron. That's for another conversation though.
Unlike LeBron though, he didn't have a national telecast of his decision. It was just in a gym, with his family and friends. No caps, no jerseys with his name on the back, or any other fancy shenanigans. Just him and the most important people in his life, there by his side, about to make his decision. Of course there was media, but there wasn't that much. In short, it was a very simple event.
He eventually decided, he would go to Kansas for college. As I said before, not much people expected Andrew to join the Jayhawks. But he did.
Overall, this was a good decision by Andrew. It wasn't a popular choice, but with some analysis, it was actually the perfect choice for him. Best of luck to Andrew and all the recruits!
Today, May 15 midnight in the Philippines, and May 14 around lunch time in the United States, top college basketball recruit Andrew Wiggins finally decided which school he was going to. He cut down his list to 4 schools and those are; North Carolina which has James Michael McAdoo returning for them, Kansas which has the #3 Class for 2013, Kentucky which probably has the MOST talented recruiting class EVER and Florida State which is the alma mater of Andrew's parents.
Many basketball fans thought UNC was Andrew's best fit since he would practically be the star in that team. Plus, he'd be facing off against Jabari Parker's Duke Blue Devils, the rivals of UNC, whereas Jabari is the #2 college basketball recruit for this year. A number also thought Kentucky, since Andrew joining Kentucky would mean an almost automatic championship. Of course, there was the "parent pressure" factor of going to Florida State.
What about Kansas? Only a few thought of Wiggins going to Kansas.
Low and behold, Andrew Wiggins decided to go to the Kansas Jayhawks for College.
Before I talk about Andrew and his decision to go to the Jayhawks, let's explain the background of the Andrew Wiggins fellow.
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| Canadian basketball phenom Andrew Wiggins will take his talents... to Kansas University. |
Andrew Wiggins is a Candian 18 year old Basketball phenom, studying at Hunnington Prep for High School. A number of basketball purists have called him "The next big thing since LeBron", so in short, he is being tagged as The Next Chosen One. Originally, he was the top prospect of the 2014 Class, but he reclassified to the 2013 Class just last year. He took the #1 spot in the 2013 Class from Chicago native, Jabari Parker, who is taking his talents to the Duke Blue Devils.
In his senior year, he averaged 23 points a game, and 11 rebounds a game. Impressive for anyone, and especially impressive for a 6'8 small forward like him. Many consider his game almost flawless, and I have to agree. He has a reliable jumper which can stretch up to the three point line, and when he slashes, just get out of the way because it will be 2 points anyway. He also showed flashes of brilliance in defense during the McDonald's All American All Star Game, hounding pseudo rival Jabari Parker. He has the tools to become an elite defender with a decent wingspan, and out of this world hops. He has also shown brilliance in blocking opponents from the back.
Despite all these qualities of his, he still has to improve his handles in order to succeed in the pros. His passing game will also have to improve since opposing defenses will be sending out double teams on him. Of course, weight will also be an issue. He may be athletic, but he is lanky. He only weighs 195 pounds; even Kevin Durant is heavier than him! But he is still an incredible talent.
Despite all these qualities of his, he still has to improve his handles in order to succeed in the pros. His passing game will also have to improve since opposing defenses will be sending out double teams on him. Of course, weight will also be an issue. He may be athletic, but he is lanky. He only weighs 195 pounds; even Kevin Durant is heavier than him! But he is still an incredible talent.
Now, among the top 5 recruits, he was the last one to make his decision on what school he'll be attending. College Basketball fans anxiously waited for his decision. Then, May 14 came.
Let this sink into you first; he is being tagged as "The next big thing as LeBron". That is how scrutinized this kid is. The pressure on him is tremendous. The tag is there on him for good reason, yes. He hasn't played a single basketball game in college hoops, yet he is being tagged with such an honor. In short, his decision would rock the very foundation of college basketball. The team he would go to would instantly become contenders. Pretty much just like LeBron. That's for another conversation though.
Unlike LeBron though, he didn't have a national telecast of his decision. It was just in a gym, with his family and friends. No caps, no jerseys with his name on the back, or any other fancy shenanigans. Just him and the most important people in his life, there by his side, about to make his decision. Of course there was media, but there wasn't that much. In short, it was a very simple event.
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| Andrew Wggins about to make the decision that could rock the very foundation of College Basketball. |
Now, was this a good decision for him and for college basketball. Why?
First, for Andrew's case, he lands in a GOOD team, with a proven program, and not only that, HE can be the star. Bill Self has definitely proven to be a good and effective coach. He has 1 NCAA Championship in his helm. Despite not being that covered, he had the #3 class in the country (now #2 since Wiggins joined the Jayhawks). Plus, he has had two potential stars in the NBA in Thomas Robinson (currently with the Houston Rockets) and Ben McLemore. He's brought Kansas to the Sweet 16 for consecutive seasons now. Kansas has 9 straight Big 12 championships.
Second, he can actually cement his legacy individually as a player, and in leading the team to success. Here's the thing, if he went to Kentucky, most fans would remember the monster recruiting class of John Calipari and not Wiggins himself. If he went to Florida State, fine, he could end up posting monster numbers, but the team would've probably sucked as a whole. If he went to UNC, there's, of course, the Michael Jordan factor, and James Michael McAdoo is primed for a breakout season. In Kansas, on the other hand, they just lost their whole starting five. The closest top recruit they got was Joel Embiid, a 6'11 center, and he isn't even that known. Despite being under the radar, Kansas is still being considered as a top team for next year's college hoops. Now, with the arrival of Wiggins, that cements their status even more, and it gives Andrew an opportunity to really be the star on a GOOD team.
Lastly, this keeps the competitive balance in the CBB. Honestly, this is kind of an indirect patama to Kentucky. They have 6 All Americans on their team. They have the top power forward, point guard, shooting guard and possibly center. If Wiggins joined them, Kentucky would practically be the Olympic Starting 5 or something. It would've been crazy. 40 - 0 would've been possible. But, it just didn't seem any fair to the rest of college basketball.
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| Andrew Wiggins will have to go up against these 6 come the NCAA tournament. |
Overall, this was a good decision by Andrew. It wasn't a popular choice, but with some analysis, it was actually the perfect choice for him. Best of luck to Andrew and all the recruits!
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