Andrew Wiggins was born on February 23, 1995, in Toronto, Canada, into a family with a strong basketball background. His father, Mitchell Wiggins, was a former NBA player, and his mother, Marita Payne-Wiggins, was a Canadian track and field Olympic medalist. Growing up in a sports-oriented family provided Andrew with early exposure to athletics.
Wiggins showed an interest in basketball from a young age. Inspired by his father's basketball career and athleticism, he began playing the sport informally in his neighborhood and at local parks.
Recognizing his potential, Wiggins joined youth basketball programs in Toronto. He participated in recreational leagues and club teams, where he honed his skills and developed his passion for the game.
Wiggins attended Vaughan Secondary School in Ontario, Canada, where he emerged as a basketball prodigy. His exceptional athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess quickly drew attention from scouts and coaches across North America.
Seeking to further his basketball development, Wiggins transferred to Huntington Prep School in West Virginia for his junior and senior years of high school. The move to the highly competitive American high school basketball scene provided him with greater exposure and opportunities to showcase his talents.
While at Huntington Prep, Wiggins became one of the most highly touted high school basketball prospects in the United States. He earned numerous accolades, including being named the Gatorade National Player of the Year and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 2013.
Wiggins attracted widespread attention from top NCAA Division I basketball programs. He ultimately chose to play for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, one of college basketball's most storied programs, under head coach Bill Self.
After one standout season at Kansas, Wiggins declared for the NBA Draft in 2014. He was selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers but was later traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he began his professional basketball career.