Basketball
Three Illinois basketball players appear in ESPN’s Latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft
Which 3 Illini made the cut for ESPN’s latest Mock Draft?
Illinois Basketball could be headed for a historic NBA Draft night.
In the latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft from ESPN and draft analyst Jeremy Woo, Illinois finds itself with three players projected inside the first two rounds. With the draft set for a little less than a month away (June 23rd and 24th – 7 pm CT on ESPN) in Brooklyn, coach Brad Underwood and the Illini could be staring at something the program hasn’t accomplished in over three decades.
However, there’s still a lot to sort through over the next few weeks. The biggest question of all remains Andrej Stojakovic’s final decision.
That said, here’s where all three Illini landed in ESPN’s latest mock draft, and what stands out about their projection.
ESPN mock draft is updated this morning. Here’s where things sit after the the early entry deadline and with the lottery less than two weeks away. https://t.co/qxvigRARcn
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) April 28, 2026
Keaton Wagler – Round 1, No. 6 (Memphis Grizzlies)
Keaton Wagler’s emergence into a first-round conversation speaks to the modern NBA’s appetite for size paired with skill at the guard position. He offers great positional versatility that translates well to the next level. Currently, he’s projected as a lottery pick at No. 6 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies, according to the mock projection.
Major credit also goes to Tyler Underwood, who identified Wagler as an under-the-radar talent early in the process. Tyler saw the upside and helped develop him alongside the Illinois staff into what is now trending as a potential lottery-level selection.
At Illinois, Wagler has flashed the ability to stretch the floor, be an impactful defender, and take over a game as the best player on the floor when needed. I believe he’s still really scratching the surface of his potential, and with proper development, can be a solid NBA starter.
Kylan Boswell – Round 2, No. 52 (LA Clippers)
Kylan Boswell’s projection as a second-round pick at No. 52 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers reflects his value as a seasoned, steady, two-way guard who brings reliability on both ends of the floor. Boswell has toughness, defensive versatility, and a strong feel for controlling the flow of a possession.
What’s helped Boswell climb his way up NBA radars is his continued improvement as a decision-maker and overall offensive piece. He’s become more consistent as a scorer, shown better comfort creating shot opportunities, and developed a more reliable 3-point game to complement his defensive identity, where he can pressure the ball and guard multiple perimeter spots.
At Illinois, Boswell has been a stabilizing force in the backcourt, bringing composure, high effort, and consistent veteran leadership every night while steadily growing into a more complete player. Could the Champaign native hear his name called on the big stage? ESPN (Woo specifically) believes so.
Andrej Stojakovic – Round 2, No. 54 (Golden State Warriors)
Andrej Stojakovic has climbed his way into the second-round conversation. ESPN’s latest mock projects him at No. 54 overall to the Golden State Warriors.
Stojakovic enters the draft conversation as a scoring wing. At 6-foot-7, he brings strong shot-making ability, along with the size to finish through contact and operate several positions on the floor. While his consistency from the outside is in question, his ability to create offense without heavy on-ball usage makes him an intriguing developmental piece.
He’s got a big decision ahead. However, many believe Andrej will ultimately return to Champaign for his final season of eligibility. The NIL opportunities are expected to be both strong and plentiful for the veteran wing. However, if he chooses to stay in the draft, he could follow in his father Peja’s footsteps (14th overall, Sacramento Kings – 1996) and hear his name called in Brooklyn.
Could Illinois Basketball Match Their Most Drafted Players Ever in A Single Class?
If ESPN’s projection holds, it would mark the first time since 1990 that three Illinois Basketball players hear their names called in the NBA Draft. In 1990, Kendall Gill (5th), Stephen Bardo (41st), and Marcus Liberty (42nd) were all draft selections.
In 2025, Kasparas Jakucionis (20th) and Will Riley (21st) both went in the first round of the NBA Draft. With recent NBA names like Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr, it’s just the latest reminder of how far Illinois Basketball has come. That kind of sustained success at the next level has clearly raised the ceiling for the program and is already showing up in recruiting. With elite talents like 5-star St. Louis native Quentin Coleman and others already in the fold, Illinois is starting to feel like a true NBA pipeline.
