Four games into the Kansas Jayhawks schedule and the Wiggins hype machine is already in full swing. The Jayhawks are undefeated thus far and Wiggins of course has played a huge part in that success.
The marquee matchup for Wiggins thus far was the second game of the season as they squared off against Duke University and Jabari Parker. The highly anticipated matchup of projected top NBA lottery picks lived up to it’s billing. Both Wiggins and Parker put on a show and although Parker had a better stat line it was Kansas who came out on top.
Parker did more on the scoresheet with 27 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals than Wiggins did; however, Parker played eight minutes more minutes during the game than Wiggins. Wiggins on the other hand played a mere 25 minutes due to foul concerns and he still posted 22 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block during the game.
Critics will point to the fact that Wiggins seemed to coast during crucial points in the game while Parker asserted himself more. What wasn’t obvious to most was that Wiggins played within the offense and team concept to take what the defense gave him while Parker forced the action and played outside of the team offensive sets.
Ultimately it was Wiggins who came out on top and sealed the game in classic fashion with a breakaway dunk and-one with Parker left in his wake with little option but to slap away at the soaring Wiggins. The three-point play put an exclamation on the evening and the normally subdued Wiggins wasn’t shy to let his emotion out given the plays significance.
Since this epic early season game, the Jayhawks have gone on to two more victories, albeit against much lesser opponents. In the two games since, Wiggins has continued to impress as he registered 13 points and 7 rebounds followed by a 16 point 7 rebound performance.
The NBA draft pundits will pontificate over the fact that neither game was mind-blowing and stat-stuffing. While this may be true, the simple fact is that Wiggins plays within the system and the system brings success. Parker does post a better individual stat line, but at this point in the collegiate season Wiggins must still be considered as the top prospect in the 2014 NBA entry draft.