Aaron Wiggins wasn't an overhyped NBA prospect when he declared for the Draft in 2021. Those who watched him at Maryland knew he was an emerging talent, but he nearly wasn't drafted, going 55th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Three years later, he's emerged as a reliable contributor to a team on the verge of its first championship — the only thing standing between him and stardom being a loaded Thunder roster that's limited him to 24 minutes per game.
On Monday night, Wiggins sparked the Thunder with three early three-pointers in their 120–109 win over the Indiana Pacers, finishing 4-for-7 from three for 14 points with five rebounds and helping move them within one win of their first NBA championship. Earlier in the series, Wiggins scored 18 points in 21 minutes to help Oklahoma City grab a desperately needed Game Two win after it had lost Game One at home. Entering Game Five, he had the highest plus-minus of anyone in the series: plus-30.
"I think about it all the time, being from Greenboro, my journey early on, it taught me to be grateful," Wiggins said earlier in the series. "To take advantage of the opportunities I get, teams that I played for, and I was kind of like a late bloomer. That helped my journey. It kind of helped me mentally to not be afraid, regardless of what moment may be in front of me, or of what is asked of me."
Wiggins didn't receive as much attention in college as most of the program's recent draft picks — guys like Kevin Huerter, Jalen Smith, Jahmir Young and Bruno Fernando — but he's making a legitimate case as the best Maryland product in the league since Steve Francis.
Big statement? Maybe. But scan the list.
The Aaron Wiggins game pic.twitter.com/GrciCXpjwr
— ? (@thundercudi) June 9, 2025
Now compare that to the rest of the Terp alumni in the league post-Franchise. It's a mixed bag.
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Greivis Vasquez had the best single season of any Maryland alum not named Francis — 13.9 points and 9 assists per game in 2012–13 with the Hornets, finishing third in the league in dimes. But his prime was short-lived due to injuries.
Kevin Huerter is a close comparison, more accomplished than any recent UMD draftee, with a similar frame and skillset — but more hyped and higher-drafted (19th overall) coming out. He's had a steady career, averaging 13.3 points and shooting 38.2% from three over six seasons. But he's never had the playoff impact Wiggins has — and this past season he was relegated to a secondary role in Sacramento before a shoulder injury ended his season.
Alex Len carved out a decade-long career, but as a journeyman backup center. Bruno Fernando and Jalen Smith were bigger college stars but have bounced around without reaching Wiggins' level of contribution or consistency.
Jake Layman had a respectable run as a bench guy. Melo Trimble never stuck. Steve Blake had a long, productive career.
Francis? A different breed. The former No. 2 pick averaged 18.1 points, 6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds over his career and made three All-Star teams. No one's touching that legacy. But since he last played in 2008, Wiggins may quietly be rising to the top of the post-Franchise Terps crop.
Wiggins averaged career-highs of 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists as a junior at Maryland and finished the season on a tear, highlighted by his 27-point performance against Alabama in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. But despite his prototypical NBA guard size and athleticism, he wasn't being projected as a draft pick in NBA mock drafts. He wasn't the most hyped of Maryland's recent NBA players.
But he's what every GM wants in today's NBA: a smart, selfless, switchable wing who defends, shoots a high clip from three, and doesn't miss his assignment. On a title-contending team, that role is huge.
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