Maryland guard/forward Aaron Wiggins has decided to remain in the NBA Draft and will forgo his senior season, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reports.
At 6-foot-6 Wiggins has impressed a number of NBA teams during the pre-draft process. He was one of four players elevated from the G League Elite Camp to last week’s NBA Draft Combine.
He was up-and-down during scrimmages but had his best outing in the final scrimmage. Wiggins scored 14 points in 21 minutes on 6-of-7 shooting.
Wiggins told ESPN, that the positive feedback from various teams steered him to stay in the draft.
“Teams have told me they were surprised by some of the things I have to offer — that I could create my shot with that type of ease and that I am that good of a passer,” Wiggins said. “They’ve told me they simply didn’t realize I was as good a player as I’ve shown. The feedback is that we’d like to have you on our team. I’ve loved hearing it all. I’m looking forward to showcasing my talent and demonstrating that I belong in the NBA.”
Wiggins revealed he had seven private workouts with NBA Teams and have an additional six team workouts scheduled. He is also set to attend the Minnesota group workout on Thursday, where all 30 teams are invited.
Wiggins emerged as a potential NBA prospect early last year. Thus, his early departure had been speculated even when he struggled early on last season. He has a 6-foot-10 wingspan. He has displayed his ability to be a streaky shooter and one who can create his own shot off the dribble.
As a junior, he averaged 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists. All career-highs at Maryland. He also shot collegiate best 44.6% from the field — 35.6% from three — in 2020-21.
Currently, Wiggins is rated as the 64th prospect in ESPN100. But the 22-year old may be on his way to rising up the draft boards of interested teams. He also has other pro options, including the G League and potentially overseas.
Wiggins’ departure adds to Darryl Morsell, who withdrew from the draft to transfer to Marquette. Maryland did get senior guard Eric Ayala back, keeping their prospects for next season high.
