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Wiggins wows at Jordan Brand Classic

Andrew Wiggins has several fans -- including Carmelo Anthony.

"I like him," Anthony said after watching the 6-foot-7 Wiggins, the No. 1 college basketball prospect in the nation, score 19 points and grab five rebounds in the Jordan Brand Classic on Saturday night at Barclays Center.

"I saw him last summer in Vegas. He looked really good."

Many NBA talent-evaluators believe Wiggins would be the top overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft if he was allowed to skip college.

"I wish him the best," Anthony said. "Next year, if he does what he’s gotta do, he’ll be ready to take that next step."

Wiggins, known for his athleticism and scoring prowess, remains undecided on where he’ll go to school next season.

"No one I care about is telling to go anywhere, or even bringing it up," Wiggins said.

Wiggins wowed the Barclays Center crowd with four dunks, but perhaps his best play of the night was when he fed Kentucky-bound big man Julius Randle for an alley-oop dunk on a 2-on-1 fastbreak in the first half.

John Calipari’s Wildcats have already put together one of the best recruiting classes ever, landing Randle along with twin guards Aaron and Andrew Harrison, Dakari Johnson, James Young and Marcus Lee. Randle (PF), Aaron (SG), Andrew (PG) and Johnson (C) are all the top-rated players at their respective positions.

Wiggins (SF) would give them a starting five full of No. 1s.

"I’m trying my best [to convince him to come to Kentucky], but it’s on him, and I wish nothing but the best for him," said Randle, who also scored 19 points and was named co-MVP of the game along with Duke’s Jabari Parker (16 points, seven rebounds), the No. 2 prospect in the country behind Wiggins.

"He threw a great pass. He’s a great player. He makes the game easier on me. It was fun playing wit him."

The star-studded crowd at Barclays Center included Michael Jordan, Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, J.R. Smith, CC Sabathia and rapper Drake, who performed briefly after the game.

"It’s an honor. I’m just thrilled at the fact all these celebrities saw us play," Wiggins said. "I appreciate that. I’m blessed to be here and play among the best high school players in the world."

Anthony also said he was impressed with Randle, Parker and Syracuse-bound point guard Tyler Ennis, who played his high school ball at St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.).

"I know when I was in high school we weren’t as big as these guys these days," said Anthony, who scored 27 points in the 2002 Jordan Brand Classic. "They look like they’re in the gym all day, in the weight room. They’re already one step ahead."

Said Randle, who has known Stoudemire for 2-to-3 years: "These are just two players that you grow up idolizing. To have them courtside was a huge honor and I was glad they came."