Kansas basketball: Andrew Wiggins opens 2018 on a roll

Former Kansas basketball standout Andrew Wiggins started the new year strong.  The third-year pro set season highs in a win over the Lakers.

I typically don’t take time to watch a lot of the NBA during the busy Kansas basketball season. I’m glad I did look in on Andrew Wiggins and his Minnesota Timberwolves on New Year’s Day. As a matter of fact, both Jayhawks on the T’Wolves saw action in the win over the “Lonzo Ballless” Los Angeles Lakers. Ball missed the game with a shoulder problem.

Wiggins is so smooth and makes it all look so easy. His 21-points and season high 9 rebounds helped lead the T-Wolves to the 114-96 win Monday night in Minneapolis.  Wiggins also collected 4-assists and a had pair of steals in his 35 minutes of action.

It is difficult for me to watch the NBA style when my brain is expecting what we enjoy from college play. I first tuned to Wiggins and company during a commercial break on the college football playoff and was disappointed when Wiggins didn’t do much. On the other hand, he had already done plenty. He was so smooth on moves in and around the lane. When he takes that first step, look out, he is at the basket and makes it count.

He did struggle from beyond the arc on Monday night, making just 1 of 5 three pointers. Wiggins is only hitting a career average 33 percent from of his three point shots. The 6-foot-8 forward is improving from the free throw line this season. He hit 6 of 7 in the contest to improve to just over 60 percent. That is far below his 74 percent career average.

Wiggins’ Wolves are on a winning streak

Next: Kansas Basketball: A challenging, exciting 2018 ahead

In addition to Wiggins, former Kansas basketball favorite Cole Aldrich grabbed a rebound in his 2-minutes of action. It was fun to see both of the former Jayhawks. Their team is on a roll and lead their division of the NBA Western Conference by 4 games as the new year begins. Wiggins and this team are only going to get better.