BREAKING: Top Guard Prospect Commits to Terps
Mark Turgeon was relentless in his pursuit of Aaron Wiggins, and his efforts just paid off.
Mark Turgeon was relentless in his pursuit of Aaron Wiggins, and his efforts just paid off.
Wiggins, a highly sought 6-foot-6 guard from North Carolina, committed to Turgeon today, choosing the Terps over Kansas, Florida, Virginia and others. The first commitment in Maryland's 2018 class, Wiggins made the decision during his official visit in College Park this weekend.
Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 43 player in the country, Wiggins is a smooth and rangy guard who can score from 3-point range -- he's shooting 46 percent deep on the Under Armour circuit -- and closer to the basket. Along with small forward Jaylen Hoard and big man Ian Steere, also Maryland prospects, he helped lead former Maryland point guard Keith Gatlin's Wesleyan Christian (High Point, N.C.) team to a 28-5 record and a national ranking for much of last season.
Turgeon offered then little-known Wiggins a scholarship last September, becoming the second high-major coach to do so. Assistant coach Dustin Clark then took over the point in his recruitment, and both coaches made multiple trips to North Carolina to see him. The two spent much of the spring and early summer working to position themselves for Wiggins' commitment.
"I hear from them every day. They both call and text all the time," he said.
They made it clear to Wiggins that he was their No. 1 priority among guards.
"That is very important, because it shows whether or not the coaches are going to have your back. And just the relationship the coaches have with my family, it all plays a part," Wiggins said.
Turgeon will likely take four or five players in the Class of 2018, and the Terps are among the top contenders for several other highly regarded prospects. He could also add another player from the Class of 2017.
Mark Turgeon was relentless in his pursuit of Aaron Wiggins, and his efforts just paid off.
Mark Turgeon was relentless in his pursuit of Aaron Wiggins, and his efforts just paid off.
Wiggins, a highly sought 6-foot-6 guard from North Carolina, committed to Turgeon today, choosing the Terps over Kansas, Florida, Virginia and others. The first commitment in Maryland's 2018 class, Wiggins made the decision during his official visit in College Park this weekend.
Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 43 player in the country, Wiggins is a smooth and rangy guard who can score from 3-point range -- he's shooting 46 percent deep on the Under Armour circuit -- and closer to the basket. Along with small forward Jaylen Hoard and big man Ian Steere, also Maryland prospects, he helped lead former Maryland point guard Keith Gatlin's Wesleyan Christian (High Point, N.C.) team to a 28-5 record and a national ranking for much of last season.
Turgeon offered then little-known Wiggins a scholarship last September, becoming the second high-major coach to do so. Assistant coach Dustin Clark then took over the point in his recruitment, and both coaches made multiple trips to North Carolina to see him. The two spent much of the spring and early summer working to position themselves for Wiggins' commitment.
"I hear from them every day. They both call and text all the time," he said.
They made it clear to Wiggins that he was their No. 1 priority among guards.
"That is very important, because it shows whether or not the coaches are going to have your back. And just the relationship the coaches have with my family, it all plays a part," Wiggins said.
Turgeon will likely take four or five players in the Class of 2018, and the Terps are among the top contenders for several other highly regarded prospects. He could also add another player from the Class of 2017.
