Andrew Wiggins declares for the NBA Draft

On Monday afternoon, Andrew Wiggins announced his decision to enter the 2014 NBA Draft. Surrounded by his family and Bill Self, Wiggins met with the media to discuss his decision.

“First, I’d like to give glory to god for giving me this opportunity,” said Wiggins. “At the end of the day, I decided I’m going to enter the draft.”

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” continued Wiggins. “I just wish I had more time. College goes by so fast. I can see why people stay all four years.”

Wiggins’ announcement is no surprise as he has discussed his intentions of leaving early before announcing he was a Jayhawk. Projected as a top three pick by every mock draft, Wiggins is expected to go as high as the No. 1 overall pick.

“This is a happy day,” said Bill Self. “The time is right for Andrew. Opportunity is knocking on the door.”

“I’m confident I’m ready,” said Wiggins about if he was ready. “No one game’s perfect. I have a lot work on, ball-handling, shooting.”

“If he was my son, I would tell him that he’s made the right decision,” said Self. “It’s time.”

Wiggins finished the season with a 17.1 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game average in his lone season in the NCAA. He’s the all-time  leading freshman scorer with 597 points.  Wiggins was an unanimous All-Big 12 first-team member and picked up numerous All-American honors, including second-team All-American by the NABC and the Associated Press. Wiggins was also picked for the Wooden All-American team on Monday, one of ten selections.

“I waited until after the season to think about my decision,” said Wiggins about making his decision. “We had bigger goals to think about during the season.”

Wiggins joins Josh Selby (2011 Draft, Round 2, Pick 49) and Xavier Henry (2010, Round 1, Pick 12) as the only other one-and-done’s in Kansas history. Joel Embiid is expected to join Wiggins but he hasn’t made a decision yet. Ben McLemore isn’t considered a one-and-done since he redshirted his freshman year due to academic qualification issues.

“I think his talent is unbelievable,” said Self. “I don’t think there’s many people who can do the things he can do (athletically).”

Wiggins looks to become the highest drafted Jayhawk since Danny Manning was drafted No. 1 overall in 1988 and the first top five pick since Thomas Robinson in 2012.

On wanting to be the No. 1 pick: “It’s always been a big dream of mine.”

“I’m excited, I’ve been waiting for this day my whole life so I’m really looking forward to it.”