Illinois gets brutal Keaton Wagler NBA Draft news after Final Four loss originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Illinois was expected to be an NCAA Tournament team this past season, but few envisioned it reaching the Final Four for the first time in two decades (they ultimately suffered a 71-62 loss to UConn).
Advertisement
Superstar freshman guard Keaton Wagler was the catalyst in the Fighting Illini’s successful 2025-26 campaign, as he averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game as the program’s No. 1 playmaker.
While Illinois comprehends that Wagler is undoubtedly a first-round NBA Draft talent, it’s reasonable to assume they were holding out hope he would return to the University for another season. Unfortunately, recent news surrounding the Shawnee, Kansas native suggests otherwise.
“Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler – ranked No. 5 in ESPN’s Top 100 – has declared for the 2026 NBA draft,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on X/Twitter Saturday. “Wagler led the 28-9 Fighting Illini to the Final Four for the first time since 2005.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo’s recent NBA mock draft has the Washington Wizards selecting Wagler with the No. 6 overall pick, and rightfully so. Although Wagler won’t blow opponents away with his end-to-end speed or vertical athleticism, he’s a high-IQ and methodical playmaker who patiently allows plays to develop before making his next calculated move.
Advertisement
Unfortunately for Illinois, they’ll no longer get to enjoy Wagler’s services at the collegiate level, forcing them to find a viable replacement for the high-upside guard.
More college basketball: Is Yaxel Lendeborg playing tonight? Why Michigan star is off to slow start in national championship