April 11, 2026, 11:44 p.m. ET
Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler announced Saturday that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft after leading the Fighting Illini to the Final Four for the first time since 2005.
The news was first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN.
Wagler was a consensus second-team All-American, averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range in 37 games. He set numerous freshman program records, including points (663), scoring average, field goals (202) and 3s (87).
The 6-foot-6 guard became the first Illini freshman to earn a consensus All-American selection after ranking third in the country in win shares (5.5) and 11th in total minutes (1,255). He was also the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-conference pick.
Wagler registered a record 11 20-point games this past season, including a season-high 46 points and four assists on Jan. 24 in a win over Purdue. He is the only Illini freshman to score 40 or more points in a game and just the fourth overall to do so.
The former Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year is projected to be a top-10 pick because of his shooting, feel and ability to convert difficult finishes at the rim. He entered the season without much draft hype but established himself as a likely high pick after a dazzling year.
Wagler is a part of a highly touted draft class with the likes of Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson projected to be high selections. The group is considered one of the most talented in recent memory.