WATCH: Eric Sorensen has the story about how 20-year-old Canadian Andrew Wiggins and most talked about player in the NBA has just made history.
After much speculation, Andrew Wiggins has been named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
Wiggins is the first Canadian to win the award, a factor that he said amplified the honour.
“It means a lot to me,” Wiggins said. “It should bring a lot of hope for the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves.”
Wiggins boasted an impressive year, competing in all 82 games while averaging 16.9 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds.
The 16.9 point average ranks him fifth all-time in the NBA for players that are 19 years old or younger.
Wiggins said having the opportunity to be a starter in his first year in the league helped him develop his skills.
“Playing in Cleveland with the best player in the NBA would have been different.”
Cleveland traded Wiggins to the Timberwolves prior to the start of the season along with fellow Canadian Anthony Bennett for star forward Kevin Love.
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Wiggins started his speech thanking a long list of people, including his father. A person he said still has a huge influence over his game.
“After every game I talk to my dad. He tells me what I need to do, what I should do,” said Wiggins.
The NBA has awarded the Rookie of the Year title since the 1952-1953 season.
Wiggins is just the second person who is not an American citizen to win the award, joining Spaniard Pau Gasol.
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