Wiggins wins Naismith award as top high school basketball player in U.S.

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The Candian Press
Published Monday, February 25, 2013 9:45PM EST
Last Updated Tuesday, February 26, 2013 2:40PM EST

ATLANTA -- Highly-touted Canadian basketball prospect Andrew Wiggins has won the Naismith Trophy as the top high school player in the United States.

Wiggins, who plays for Huntington Prep in Huntington, W. Va., was named this year's winner on Monday.

The 18-year-old from Vaughan, Ont., is averaging 23.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 3.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. He has yet to decide where he'll attend college next fall.

The award caught the attention of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who sent out congratulatory message to Wiggins on his Twitter account.

"Just heard the news that the best High School basketball player in the United States is Canadian Andrew Wiggins. Congratulations (at)22wiggins!" tweeted Harper.

Wiggins responded: "(at)pmharper Thank you sir, I appreciate your support!!"

The Naismith Awards winner is selected by basketball journalists from around the United States and is based on the 2013 high school season.

Past winners include LeBron James (2003), Kobe Bryant (1996) and Jason Kidd (1992).