TORONTO, ON - Andrew Wiggins has been named the 2014-15 NBA Rookie of the Year. Wiggins become the first Canadian-born athlete to win the prestigious award. Wiggins was presented with the award today in Minnesota.

“As a nation, we are very proud of what Andrew has accomplished,” said President and CEO, Michele O’Keefe. “Andrew’s play on the court speaks volumes to his hard work and dedication to the game of basketball. As the game continues to grow in Canada, we hope that he’ll continue to be the one of the ambassadors of Canadian basketball for years to come.”

In his rookie season, Wiggins started and played in all 82 games while averaging a rookie-high of 16.9 PPG together with 4.6 RPG, 2.1 APG and 1.0 SPG. Wiggins won four-consecutive Rookie of the Month awards (November to February); becoming only the second player in NBA history to accomplish that feat. In February, Wiggins played in the BBVA Rookie Rising Stars Game during the 2014 NBA All-Star, leading the World team to a victory over the US squad and winning game MVP.

“Andrew had a remarkable rookie season in the NBA,” said Steve Nash, Men's National Team General Manager. “It is exciting for Canada to have a player like Andrew with such high potential and bright talent. With his skill and determination we look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a NBA star and key contributor to Team Canada.”

As part of the Men’s National Team program, Wiggins represented Canada in the 2010 U17 FIBA World Championships and 2012 U18 FIBA Americas Championship, leading both teams to bronze medal finishes.

“It has been privilege to see Andrew’s development from a youth-aged player on Team Canada to an NBA professional,” said Rowan Barrett, Assistant General Manager and Executive Vice President of Men's High Performance. “We’re extremely proud of his accomplishments on the court, as well as his ability to maintain the integrity and quiet confidence his teammates, coaches and family have always known him for.”

Wiggins is from Vaughan, Ontario and was the second-consecutive Canadian to be selected as the first-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

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