Daniel Wigginton,
@dwigginton10
6’2”, 160 lbs, Class of ‘26,
Berean Academy, TN
Daniel is an absolute problem on the court. His electric mix of high IQ, explosive athleticism, and sick handles makes him a relentless force with the ball in his hands. Defenders have little hope of staying in front of him with his crafty footwork and blow-by speed, leaving them grasping at air while he attacks the rim with ruthless intentions. And when he gets there, expect a fierce finish. Daniel doesn’t just play through contact, he seeks it out, absorbing hits and still getting buckets. Daniel's defensive intensity is just as ruthless, hounding ball handlers and forcing turnovers with suffocating pressure. A tenacious rebounder for a guard, Daniel crashes the glass with an unyielding motor, snatching boards and sparking transition breaks. His vision makes him even more of a headache for defenses, threading dazzling dimes that set his teammates up for easy buckets.
Averaging 20.8 points, 2.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, Daniel’s impact is felt all over the floor. His biggest improvement this season has been his finishing and defensive dominance, and it showed in his most inspiring moment of dropping 30 points in the state semifinals while locking down the opponent’s best player in the second half, holding him to just five points after a scorching first half. That type of two-way performance is what separates the good from the great. Daniel’s offseason focus is building strength, tightening his handle, improving his shot, and elevating his athleticism to an even higher level. Daniel is determined to make every weakness a weapon, and with a tougher schedule ahead, he’s embracing the grind to prepare for it.
Daniel’s competitive fire burns hotter than most. He thrives in tough matchups, using every challenge as fuel to take his game up another level. His next steps include playing against higher-level competition with Team Loaded while aiming for a spot with the Tennessee Tigers. Both moves designed to improve his game against elite talent. He aims to earn college offers and build relationships with coaches who see his potential. The Tennessee Miracle Classic is one of the upcoming stages where he plans to show exactly why he belongs at the next level. Daniel expects to dominate, push himself against top-tier competition, and continue proving he’s not just good but a difference-maker.
What fuels Daniel the most is defense. For some players, a bucket gets them going, but for Daniel, getting a stop, forcing a turnover, and making an opponent give up a 5-second violation is the ultimate adrenaline rush. Daniel feeds off that energy, knowing that defense isn’t just effort; it’s about making an opponent break mentally. When handling adversity, Daniel runs toward it. While others shy away, Daniel sees adversity as his advantage, a moment to separate himself from the ones who hesitate when the game gets tough. Daniel’s mindset is built on the best advice he’s ever received: “You can’t fake work—time will either promote you or expose you.” That’s why every rep, every drill, and every film session is another step toward his ultimate goal. Daniel refuses to leave his success up to chance.
I assess that Daniel’s game is built for the next level. His explosive first step, fearless rim attacks, and two-way dominance make him a coach’s dream. His sick handles allow him to create off the dribble with ease, whether breaking down defenders or navigating tight spaces under pressure. Daniel's finishing ability is elite for his age. Daniel is crafty, strong, and controlled while adding his court vision elevates the play of those around him. Defensively, his motor and IQ make him a nightmare for opposing guards, and his ability to impact both ends of the floor will be a game-changer for any program that lands him. As Daniel continues to develop his shooting and physical strength, he’ll only become more dangerous.
With his work ethic, intensity, and high-level skills, Daniel’s potential is through the roof. After leading Berean Academy to a state championship in 2025 while solidifying himself as a must-watch prospect, we can expect his strength, shooting, and defensive presence to hit another level by next season, making him an even bigger threat. Daniel's path is clear: dominate high-level competition, earn his place at the next level, and keep proving that his relentless drive sets him apart. The game rewards those who put in the work, and Daniel is putting in the kind that demands attention. Stay tuned for this must-see young star!
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