Free Zacch
In a season where offense has often felt stagnant and efficient shots are at a premium, Wiggins has quietly been the most efficient option we keep leaving on the bench. The eye test tells you he’s smooth and poised beyond his years, but since this post is about "The Numbers Don't Lie," let's look at the cold, hard data.
The Efficiency Gap Right now, Zacch is averaging roughly 16 minutes per game. In those limited bursts, he is shooting around 50% from the field. Compare that to the volume shooters in our starting lineup who are struggling to crack 35% or even 32% from the floor while logging nearly double the minutes.
When you extrapolate the data, the disparity becomes impossible to ignore.
Case Study: The Maryland Game (Dec 28) We just saw the proof of concept against a Big Ten opponent.
Wiggins: 29 Minutes | 14 Points | 4-11 FG | 6-6 FT
Production: When given starter minutes (29), he produced double-digit scoring against high-major length and athleticism.
The "Per 40" Argument If we normalize the stats to a standard 40-minute game to level the playing field between starters and reserves, Wiggins isn't just "holding his own"—he is outperforming the guys in front of him.
Zacch Wiggins (Per 40): ~15.1 Points | ~51% Shooting Efficiency
Current Starters Avg (Per 40): ~13.0 Points | ~38% Shooting Efficiency
The Verdict We are currently 4-10. We don't have the luxury of "saving" a freshman for next year or bringing him along slowly. Wiggins is providing offensive efficiency in a lineup that is statistically starving for it.
The numbers suggest that Zacch Wiggins isn't just a "spark off the bench"—he is a starter waiting for the green light. If the goal of the Sun Belt slate is to win now, the rotation needs to tilt in his favor.