Andrew Wiggins returns to Kansas for first time in two years

It has been two years since Andrew Wiggins’ one-and-done season at Kansas.

So how does he view that experience now?

“College is arguably my favorite time, my best time in my life,” Wiggins said Thursday. “Just being on the campus and hanging out with my friends and everybody else and games, the Fieldhouse, everything. It was amazing.”

Wiggins returned to Lawrence briefly Thursday, working his Kansas All-Star Camp that was co-hosted by former Jayhawk Ben McLemore. It was Wiggins’ first time back in Kansas since August 2014.

“It feels great, especially with the young kids, all Jayhawk fans,” Wiggins said. “They’re having fun. They’re all working hard. That gets me excited.”

Wiggins, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft, averaged 20.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in his second season with Minnesota. He didn’t have much support, as the T-Wolves finished with a 29-53 record.

“The main thing for me is making the playoffs,” Wiggins said. “My team, we’ve got a nice young core. With the new addition (of fifth pick) Kris Dunn, I think it’ll be amazing for us. It’ll help our defensive length in the backcourt.”

Wiggins also will be teammates this upcoming season with two former KU standouts, as Brandon Rush and Cole Aldrich signed free-agent deals with Minnesota in the last week.

“The best thing about it is, now we get to play in the Sprint Center preseason (Oct. 8 against the Miami Heat). So we get to play in front of the home crowd,” Wiggins said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited. I know they’re excited, too.”

In his gathering with reporters, Wiggins was asked about Kansas freshman Josh Jackson, as the two wings are often compared. Not only were both ranked as Rivals.com’s top recruit, but they also share a similar body type.

“He can play,” said Wiggins, who has met Jackson previously. “He can score the ball. He’s long, can defend, big. He has the type of game that translates well to the NBA.”

Wiggins credits Kansas coach Bill Self with teaching him fundamentals. That includes nuances like helpside defense and cutting without the basketball.

“He always challenged me to do better and be better,” Wiggins said.

Though he wishes he could have done more in college — Kansas fell in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 32 to Stanford during his only season — Wiggins says he still recalls his time in Lawrence fondly.

“Anything that compares to (college) … nothing beats it,” Wiggins said with a smile. “It can only tie.”

This story was originally published July 14, 2016 at 5:11 PM with the headline "Andrew Wiggins returns to Kansas for first time in two years."