Illini guard Keaton Wagler declares for 2026 NBA draft

To no surprise, Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. Wagler led the Illini to their first Final Four in 21 years and is projected to be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft.

Wagler is one of the best stories in college basketball history. It is no secret that he has ascended from a three-star recruit to one of the top players in the country. He won Big Ten Freshman of the Year and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors. Wagler was also named a First or Second Team All-American by multiple outlets and took home the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year award. He will have his jersey honored in the State Farm Center rafters.

The freshman shocked the college basketball world, rising from an unknown three-star prospect to an All-American on a Final Four team. He averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season while shooting an impressive 39.7% from beyond the arc and 44.5% from the field.

NBA scouts love Wagler for his 6-foot-6 frame and his strong basketball feel. According to CBB Analytics, his assist-to-turnover ratio ranked in the 90th percentile last season, while his assist percentage was in the 85th percentile. His durability also stands out. Keaton started all 36 games and ranked in the 94th percentile in minutes per game.

The Illini trend

It feels like an easy decision for Keaton Wagler to take his talents to the NBA with all the buzz surrounding him in mock drafts. He had one of the best freshman seasons in Illinois basketball history and is expected to be rewarded with a massive payday on draft night – close to $30 million over four years, according to Spotrac.

Wagler will join Ayo Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn, and Terrence Shannon Jr. as players to have their jerseys honored under Brad Underwood. He will also join Ayo, Terrence, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Will Riley as NBA Draft picks in the Underwood era.

Hearing Wagler’s name called on draft night will be a special moment for his family and another milestone moment for the Illinois program.

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