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Former Maryland men’s basketball star Aaron Wiggins has seen an increase in playing time and is making the most of his opportunity for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
That increase in time is likely due to a number of players missing numerous games because of COVID-19 protocols. However, through this stretch, Wiggins is proving he belongs and is worthy of playing extended minutes on a nightly basis for a young and developing Thunder team.
On Wednesday he put together another great performance, totaling 22 points and eight rebounds in 39 minutes, the most minutes of anyone on the team, in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Sheesh, Aaron Wiggins pic.twitter.com/WZWaCuIksA
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 30, 2021
WIGGINS WORLD!
— Maryland Men’s Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) December 30, 2021
The reverse!! pic.twitter.com/yf47jh7nbf
In his last three games before Wednesday night, he had 24, 14 and 15 points, respectively, while shooting the ball efficiently. His 24 point performance on Dec. 26 was a career-high for Wiggins.
After deciding to forego his senior season at Maryland and enter the 2021 NBA Draft, Wiggins was selected with the 55th pick by the Thunder. In this December stretch, Wiggins is making it look like the Thunder got a steal.
On the other side of the court, former Maryland basketball forward Jalen Smith saw some action and made an impact in this matchup for the Pheonix Suns. Smith finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds in 25 minutes on the court.
Similar to Wiggins, Smith has seen more playing time due to other players missing games due to COVID-19 protocols. In the Suns' last matchup before this one, Smith had 15 points, nine boards and one steal in 29 minutes.
Back on track. pic.twitter.com/mpWfAr3Yg8
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 30, 2021
In other news
Maryland won its first bowl game since 2010 on Wednesday in the Pinstripe Bowl over Virginia Tech. Read about the game and what the win meant here.
Maryland men’s basketball is back in action tonight against Brown. Read our preview here.
Take a look inside Maryland football’s locker room following its bowl victory.
“The best is truly ahead”
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) December 30, 2021
SING THAT SONG!!! pic.twitter.com/PgUOTf2Dt7
Maryland football quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa was named the Pinstripe Bowl MVP.
20-24
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) December 29, 2021
265 yards
2 TDs
The @PinstripeBowl MVP, @tauliaa12! pic.twitter.com/IbWMyIwTqJ
Here’s a look inside Maryland’s sideline celebration.
CELEBRATE WITH US TERP NATION! pic.twitter.com/OuqNuW0ZCu
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) December 30, 2021
Wide receiver Rakim Jarrett posed with the trophy.
Rak came to rep his city.
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) December 29, 2021
Who is next? pic.twitter.com/6JzmaoGBYS
The New York Yankees showed love to Maryland after its dominating win on the Yankees home turf at Yankee Stadium.
The Champs #TBIA | #PinstripeBowl | @PinstripeBowl pic.twitter.com/SexkwUo4Qk
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 29, 2021
Other Maryland coaches wished congratulations to head coach Michael Locksley and Maryland football.
Congrats to @CoachLocks and crew. Great finish to the season #TBIA https://t.co/7xePX9sWOw
— Rob Vaughn (@rvaughnUMD) December 29, 2021
Congrats, Terps! https://t.co/6AuZR4cohM
— Maryland Women’s Basketball (@TerpsWBB) December 29, 2021
Terps run New York!
— Maryland Men’s Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) December 29, 2021
Congrats @TerpsFootball! pic.twitter.com/oCuoSYR8UP
Congratulations to @CoachLocks & @TerpsFootball on a dominating win! We all know how much hard work goes on behind the scenes. The future is so bright. https://t.co/KsrDK5mfWr
— Brenda Frese (@BrendaFrese) December 30, 2021
Congratulations to @CoachLocks on the win! What a great day to be be a Terp! #FearTheTurtle https://t.co/HVDehgcThP
— Meg Ryan Nemzer (@MegNemzer) December 30, 2021