Aaron Wiggins Drafted By Oklahoma City Thunder In 2nd Round

COLLEGE PARK, MD — With the 55th pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Aaron Wiggins from the University of Maryland.

A 6-foot-6-inch guard, Wiggins declared his intention to forgo his senior year and keep his name in the draft on July 5 in an Instagram post after he impressed teams at the NBA draft combine and workouts.

The former junior — who originally played basketball for Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, before transferring to Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, North Carolina — averaged a career high of 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in his final year as a Terrapin, Wiggins' NBA profile said.

He also averaged 40.8 percent from the 3-point range in his final 12 games. Overall, Wiggins holds 12th place for the most 3-pointers in Maryland history with 172, the NBA profile said.

Wiggins also has the second-most 3-pointers by a freshman in Maryland history at 62, behind Atlanta Hawks guard/forward Kevin Huerter, who had 65, the NBA profile said.

"With the 55th pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select Aaron Wiggins, from the University of Maryland."

The Moment. pic.twitter.com/4jb1Ulh1Ll
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) July 30, 2021

“I think I’ve shown teams I’m capable of doing a lot they haven’t seen before,” Wiggins said about the pre-draft process on NBA profile. “The feedback I’ve gotten, it seems like they’ve been surprised and almost caught off guard with some of the things I’ve shown. So I feel confident in my play and, throughout this entire process, with how I’ve presented myself.”

Good morning from @Aaron_Wiggins_ #NBADraft | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/FeGdkX5teu
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 30, 2021

Wiggins' Terp family was overjoyed after he was drafted. “Knowing Aaron since freshman year it’s insane to watch his dreams come true, first it was Jalen (Stix) and now it’s him. OKC doesn’t know what’s coming!!” said Rachel Levitt, University of Maryland senior and co-founder of the Maryland Sports Business Conference.

“I am very happy for Wiggins to go to the league and can’t wait to see him in action with the young thunder group,” said Bradley Polkowitz, president of the University of Maryland Sports Business Society. “I think he will have the chance to fight for some playing time and hopefully in the coming years become an impact player and a leader. Watching him the past two years with the Terps and having him on the SBS podcast with Harrison Keim has been incredible and the Terps are wishing the best for him!”

WORTH THE WAIT!

Aaron Wiggins is headed to OKC! pic.twitter.com/UXQXEHxOXe
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) July 30, 2021