The Illinois basketball team put together one of the best seasons in program history.
It was a magical ride for the Illini. We finished the regular season with 24 wins. When the dust settled, Illinois finished with 28 wins overall, which included a run to the Final Four that no one expected when the season started.
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A huge reason for the great 2025-26 campaign was Keaton Wagler. The true freshman burst onto the scene and never let up. His time in Champaign is now over.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Wagler has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft.
This news was expected, but it is still pretty sad. I wish Illinois fans could get another year of Wagler. Could you imagine what this kid could do with another year under his belt? He would easily be the favorite to win the John R. Wooden Award for the best player in the country.
Instead, Wagler is now heading to the NBA. He finished his only season with Illinois averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 39.7% from three-point range.
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His second-team All-American honor was impressive, but the fact that Wagler was the leading force behind Illinois first Final Four trip since 2005 makes him one of the most unique and special players to ever suit up for the Orange and Blue.
Keaton Wagler is a near-lock to be the Illinois basketball team’s first NBA Draft lottery pick since Meyers Leonard
During the Brad Underwood era, Illinois has seen a resurgence in players heading to the NBA Draft. It has been a nice change of pace, as the previous coaching staff didn’t send a single player to The Association.
What has eluded the Underwood era is an NBA Draft lottery pick. That means Illinois hasn’t had a top-14 pick.
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Ayo Dosunmu was in the second round. Terrence Shannon Jr. was picked No. 27 overall. And last year, Illinois had Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley go No. 20 and No. 21 overall, respectively.
Illinois isn’t going to just get another first round pick in the NBA, but Wagler is going to be a lottery pick. I will go a step further and say he is a top 10 pick. Numerous NBA mock drafts have him going inside the top 10, with some having him in the top seven.
The future is bright for Wagler. He was a comet in the sky for the Illini. Wagler took us on a ride, and I just wish the ride could last longer. Thank you for everything.
This article was originally published on www.writingillini.com as NBA Draft news gives Illinois basketball expected gut punch.