2015: UAA’s Suki Wiggs made indelible mark at the 2015 Shootout

Originally published on Nov. 29, 2015.

The Seawolves didn't win a trophy at this year's GCI Great Alaska Shootout. But they left what could be a long-lasting mark on the tournament record book.

Suki Wiggs, the most electrifying shot-maker in years to wear green and gold, scored 30 points Saturday in UAA's 91-87 loss to San Jose State at the Alaska Airlines Center to become the all-time leading scorer in the 38-year-old tournament.

Added to games of 35 in a Thursday loss to Middle Tennessee State and 33 in a Friday win over Drexel, Wiggs finished with 98 total points to break the 1993 scoring record of 97 set by Purdue great Glenn Robinson.

To appreciate how long Robinson's record stood, Wiggs, 21, was born a year after Robinson carved his name in the Shootout record book.

"He has a son, right?" Wiggs said when asked if he knew who Robinson was.

Right. Robinson, who had an 11-year NBA career, is the father of Glenn Robinson III, who plays for the Indiana Pacers.

A 6-foot-4 junior guard who transferred to UAA this year from Division I Idaho, Wiggs hit 31 of 66 shots from the field (46.9 percent) in UAA's three games. He was 16 of 36 from 3-point range (44.4 percent) and 20 of 29 from the foul line (69 percent).

Fans started chanting "MVP! MVP!" in Saturday's waning minutes, prompting Wiggs at one point to acknowledge them by blowing a kiss.

Wiggs scored in myriad ways during the tournament, from NBA-length 3-pointers to layups. His ability to slash and drive allows him to create shots, and his outside shot makes defenders follow him even when he is well beyond the perimeter.

Incredibly, Wiggs was not a 3-point threat at Idaho, although he averaged 9.9 points as a freshman and 11.5 as a sophomore. During his two seasons there, he was 13 of 41 from 3-point range. In three Shootout games, he was 16 of 36.

After Thursday's loss to MTSU, Wiggs said he rediscovered his long-range ability once he got to UAA, where he said UAA coach Rusty Osborne allows him to take the shot if it's there.

Wiggs took 66 shots during the Shootout (he also handed out nine assists), but Osborne on Friday said the Seawolves don't run specific plays to get him the ball.

"We never talk about Suki being the focal point," Osborne said.

At the same time, the Seawolves know they have something special in Wiggs, who said he left Idaho in order to join a team where he'd have more offensive freedom.

"Suki does what Suki does," Osborne said this week, more than once. "It's something we're coming to expect from him.

"He's fun to coach and he's fun to play with."

Beth Bragg is the ADN sports editor. This story was first  published on Nov. 29, 2015.