Wiggins
- Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
- Huntington Prep
- Small Forward
- Signed Kansas 5/14/2013
- 1st in ESPN's top 100 recruits
Parker
- Chicago, Illinois
- Simeon Career Academy
- Small Forward
- Signed Duke 12/20/2012
- 2nd in ESPN's top 100 recruits
Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker are widely considered the two best high school basketball players in this years recruiting class. They are constantly being compared to each other, and people have even considered these two young talents to be the next LeBron Jamess of basketball. Let's go in-depth and break down these two young talents, and see who has the better chance of success.
The Breakdown
Wiggins and Parker have somewhat similar offensive styles. Wiggins is more likely to beat you off the dribble and make plays in the open court. He is an incredible slasher. His vertical has been measured at 44 inches, make him an incredibly athletic wing player. While Parker is capable of running the floor and making plays, he has developed more of a low post game, making him a silky smooth player. According to profiles on scouts.com, both of these players have great footwork, making them an instant highlight reel every time the step on the court.
At 6 foot 8, 205 pounds, Andrew Wiggins is a tough match-up for anyone trying to guard him. His size and speed makes it difficult for him to be covered, and his athleticism allows him to absorb contact and alter his shot with ease. Parker is not as fast as Wiggins, although he still has enough speed to flourish in Coach K's system at Duke. Parker is also able to take his physical frame and his above average speed and turn himself into a ball-hawking defender that is able to guard practically any position. Overall though, Wiggins has the speed advantage.
Andrew Wiggins has great hands to go along with his freakish 7 foot wingspan. He has potential to be a defensive machine, wreaking havoc in the passing lanes with his length and his great hands. Wiggins also has a consistent jump shot that can be counted on in any situation. This will translate nicely into Kansas's motion offense, allowing Wiggins to play a role similar to Ben McLemore. Jabari Parker also has great hands. He is one of those players who can grab the defensive board and take it coast to coast for the offensive finish. Parker also can distribute the ball to his teammates and post up defenders in the lane. Slight advantage here to Parker.
Both of these two young talents have frames that can lead to success in college and in the NBA. Wiggins is taller and longer than Parker, which is why he's drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant. Parker is an inch shorter than Wiggins, but he is ten pounds heavier. Parker had weight issues early in the season when he was sidelined with a foot injury, but he appears to be in better shape now. Both of these players should have no problem transitioning to the physicality of the ACC and the Big 12. Kansas and Duke should have enough talent to where Parker and Wiggins don't have to carry the team alone.
During Parker's high-school career, he gained a reputation of being a player who hates losing. That usually happens when you lead your team to four consecutive state championships. His will to win and mental make up is what makes him a perfect fit in Coach K's system. On the other hand, one of the few weaknesses that scouts have seen in Andrew Wiggins is that he may lack the killer instinct and desire to be a go-to star on a team. He has the potential to be a great defender, but he needs to be willing to compete on the defensive end of the floor. Potential doesn't win championships, a will and desire does. That is why Parker has the mental edge over Wiggins.
Both of these players have great offensive skill sets. They are athletic and explosive, highlight reels waiting to happen. Both of these players are great athletes that can defend. They are long, dynamic, and mobile. But because of the difference in mental toughness, I give the edge to Jabari Parker over Andrew Wiggins.
Andrew Wiggins has great hands to go along with his freakish 7 foot wingspan. He has potential to be a defensive machine, wreaking havoc in the passing lanes with his length and his great hands. Wiggins also has a consistent jump shot that can be counted on in any situation. This will translate nicely into Kansas's motion offense, allowing Wiggins to play a role similar to Ben McLemore. Jabari Parker also has great hands. He is one of those players who can grab the defensive board and take it coast to coast for the offensive finish. Parker also can distribute the ball to his teammates and post up defenders in the lane. Slight advantage here to Parker.
Both of these two young talents have frames that can lead to success in college and in the NBA. Wiggins is taller and longer than Parker, which is why he's drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant. Parker is an inch shorter than Wiggins, but he is ten pounds heavier. Parker had weight issues early in the season when he was sidelined with a foot injury, but he appears to be in better shape now. Both of these players should have no problem transitioning to the physicality of the ACC and the Big 12. Kansas and Duke should have enough talent to where Parker and Wiggins don't have to carry the team alone.
During Parker's high-school career, he gained a reputation of being a player who hates losing. That usually happens when you lead your team to four consecutive state championships. His will to win and mental make up is what makes him a perfect fit in Coach K's system. On the other hand, one of the few weaknesses that scouts have seen in Andrew Wiggins is that he may lack the killer instinct and desire to be a go-to star on a team. He has the potential to be a great defender, but he needs to be willing to compete on the defensive end of the floor. Potential doesn't win championships, a will and desire does. That is why Parker has the mental edge over Wiggins.
Both of these players have great offensive skill sets. They are athletic and explosive, highlight reels waiting to happen. Both of these players are great athletes that can defend. They are long, dynamic, and mobile. But because of the difference in mental toughness, I give the edge to Jabari Parker over Andrew Wiggins.
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