There are currently seven players in the Canadian Elite Basketball League with NBA experience, two of them being Hamilton Honey Badgers guards, Lindell Wigginton, and Trevon Duval.

  The pair of former teammates with the Minnesota Timberwolves NBA G League affiliate Iowa Wolves adds an elite backcourt to this Honey Badgers squad. Duval, and Wigginton, bring experience, a winning mentality, and the willingness to make their teammates better.

  “Having us will definitely help the team,” said Duval. “We like to create for guys, and with both of us having that kind of mindset, where we are being playmakers, is big for the other three out there on the court."

  The former Duke Blue Devil split his 2018-2019 campaign with the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Wisconsin Herd. He appeared in three games for the Bucks averaging 1.7 points per game, and suited up for 39 games with the Herd, averaging 12.4 points per game, while adding 3.4 assists a game. 

  From there Duval was drafted fifth overall in the 2019 NBA G League draft by the Iowa Wolves. During that season he averaged 6.9 points and 2.7 assists a game, playing alongside Wigginton.Having two guys who are former teammates will prove to be an advantage for the Honey Badgers, especially a backcourt pairing with Duval being a point guard, and Wigginton a shooting guard. 

  “It’s going to be a hell of a 14 games with us in the backcourt,” said the Hockessin, Delaware native. “It’s going to be fun, because we know how to play with each other, and where we like the ball. I definitely had some good moments with Lindell while we were with Iowa together."

 Wigginton had nothing but praise for his teammate.

  “He’s a lightning quick guard on the offensive, and defensive end,” said the Halifax-native. “Obviously we know each other’s playing style. We just want to be the best we can be, and help elevate our teammates game play as well.”

  After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft the former Iowa State product joined the Toronto Raptors for the 2019 NBA Summer League. He suited up for five games as a Raptor and averaged 2.8 points and 10.8 minutes per contest.

  In September he signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he landed with their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. Wigginton spent the next two years with the Wolves averaging 15.3 points per game during the 2019-2020 season.

  The following season saw Wigginton take a leap in his scoring average, as he put up 17.1 points for the Wolves.

 Wigginton brings a high level of talent to the Honey Badgers.

  “I add both experience, and leadership,” he said. “ I come in here with a winning mindset, and I want to help everyone get better. Every stage I step on, I try to be the best, and win games.”

 The same goes for Duval, who wants to grow as a player, and be a leader.

“I have been with the best of the best professionals in the world when it comes to this sport.I just have to make that translate across the board,” Duval said. “The CEBL gives me the opportunity to showcase my game while other guys aren’t really playing, and I get to play on a different stage with different players.”

 Duval wants to help his teammates in anyway he can, particularly in what it means to be a professional.

“That’s one of the main things I’ve taken from being in the NBA, and the NBA G League, how to be a professional,” said the 22-year-old.

 Duval’s quickness and athleticism is what ultimately provides his playmaking ability.

  “I think my game can be beneficial to any team,” he said. “I can get almost anywhere I want to on the floor. That helps guys get open and helps me set up my teammates. I can help us win games. We have a lot of guys who can score, and do some good things with the ball.”

 Offensively it’s important to be active and have an assertive method, that’s exactly what Duval brings.

 “To be as efficient as possible is my goal, and to always take what the defence gives me,” he said. “I’m always aggressive whether it’s scoring, passing, or defence, I’m always going to have an aggressive approach.”

 Honey Badgers Head Coach, Ryan Schmidt believes the addition of these two guards does nothing but elevate the team as a whole.

 “I think the first thing that stands out is their talent level, it speaks for itself,” said the Raptors 905 assistant coach and player development specialist. “ What sticks out to me is their humility and work ethic, they’re going to shoulder a big load of what were trying to do.”

 The talent is the obvious point but Schmidt emphasizes their inclination to be unselfish with the ball.

 “They’re versatile, they can play both on, and off the ball,” added Schmidt. “Their ability to score, defend, and make plays for others will make us that much better of a team.”

 Schmidt says that the pair will be playing together a lot this season in the backcourt.

 “That will make us a dynamic offensive team because we’re not just relying on one guy,” he said. “It’s going to be tough to scout us because it’s not just going to be Trevon one night or Lindell, it’s going to be both of them.”