Nova Scotia basketball star Lindell Wigginton heading to Iowa State

A Dartmouth, N.S., basketball player is one step closer to fulfilling his dream of playing in the NBA.

On Friday, 18-year-old Lindell Wigginton — ranked 49th on ESPN's top 100 recruiting database for high school basketball prospects — decided Iowa State would be the next stop in his basketball career. 

His former coach, Colter Simmonds, said in his 18 years coaching basketball, Wigginton's skill and attitude stand out from the rest. 

"There's been some really great, talented, special kids but there's been only one Lindell Wigginton," he said.

'He's already famous in our community'

The six-foot-one point guard is in his third year at the prestigious Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. But he started out at Dartmouth's Prince Andrew High School.

Simmonds said Wigginton's accomplishments have a positive effect on others in his community. 

"It's big for the Atlantic region in general and even bigger for kids from inner city communities, such as Uniacke Square and the North Preston community," said Simmonds.

Wigginton has a connection to both communities.

"It's special for kids to see somebody from those communities really achieve greatness through something that many kids love. [Basketball] is a part of our community," said Simmonds. 

"He's already famous in our community." 

'He's a good kid'

Wigginton's dad, Fleming Downey, said two of the most important things for his son are family and community.  

"He's very humble and he tries to do a lot for the community," said Downey.

"Off the court, he's a good kid because he wants the best for younger kids that are coming up and to set a good example for them and show them that you can also get to that level."  

About a dozen U.S. colleges made offers but Downey said Iowa State is a good fit for his son to "try and get to the next level."

"I know for a fact that he works hard and I know for a fact that he can fulfil that [NBA] dream by putting in the work that he has been putting in," said Downey.

Simmonds agrees. There's no doubt in his mind that Wigginton will go all the way. 

"He's an exceptional player, he does a lot of things that most kids can't do and they come natural to him," said Simmonds. 

"Because of his personality and his willingness to learn and his hunger for success … I think the sky is the limit." 

Sacrifices made

In terms of being away from home, Downey said his son is used to travelling for his sport but that doesn't make the distance between them any easier.

"At the end of the day, we look at it this way, as a family — you want your kids with you but you don't want to be selfish … because you want the best for them. That's the decision that me and my wife made. We've got to make the best decision for our kids," said Downey.

"Family's very important to us because without family there's nothing. Family and reaching out to other people — that's a big thing for us."