Illinois star guard Keaton Wagler has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler – ranked No. 5 in ESPN's Top 100 – has declared for the 2026 NBA draft, his agency ProMondo Sports tells me and @JeremyWoo. Wagler led the 28-9 Fighting Illini to the Final Four for the first time since 2005. pic.twitter.com/EPenhAQcz3
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— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 11, 2026
Wagler is coming off of a historic freshman season for Illinois. He put up averages of 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game while shooting 44.5% from the field and 39.7% from deep.
He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and an All-American after leading the Fighting Illini to their first Final Four in 21 years.
Wagler now holds the school’s freshman record in total points, assists and points per game.
As a 6’6″ guard with impressive scoring abilities and deep range, he’s projected to be a top-five pick in the upcoming draft class that’s loaded with talent.
His defense and overall athleticism may raise question marks, but his modernized offense holds tremendous value.
James Parker contributed to this story.
