A year ago, the name Keaton Wagler wasn’t on any radar other than Illinois’, and even then, many didn’t think the incoming freshman would have a spot in head coach Brad Underwood’s rotation. But now, Wagler’s name is cemented in Illini basketball history, and it will likely be called at Barclays Center in a little over a month as a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Wagler’s emergence as the driving force behind the Illini’s effective offensive scheme not only led the program to a Final Four appearance but also put Wagler on the map as an intriguing NBA prospect.
At the NBA Draft Combine on Wednesday, Wagler spoke about how his freshman season at Illinois helped him grow into a player who is ready for the next level. Although Underwood and his coaching staff had a roster full of talent at their disposal, they put their trust in Wagler as the number one offensive option early in the year. The freshman didn’t disappoint as he made his mark by thriving in the role.
“It’s definitely the best decision I’ve made in my basketball career so far,” Wagler said about choosing to play at Illinois. “It’s awesome to see how well it worked out, seeing that most people thought that, you know, my first year I probably wouldn’t even play, but just going in there to prove myself.”
Wagler played with the ball in his hands more times than not, but that didn’t mean he was the Illini’s only option. Illinois’ roster depth provided the team with many proven scorers, ending the year with five players averaging double figures, including Wagler.
While Wagler took over in scoring when necessary, he proved he could play within the framework of the Illini offense by getting other players involved as a facilitator. That’s a skill that will benefit him as he takes his talent to the professional level.
“I think I’m just super versatile,” Wagler said. “Being able to play multiple positions, not just point guard or just shooting guard, but being able to play on or off the ball. Then, also being able to play with other really good players is a skill that I think I have. Knowing when it’s my time and when it’s someone else’s time.”
At Illinois, Wagler also got to experience firsthand what it would be like for him to play among the skill sets of European players. This allowed Illinois’ offense to mirror an NBA-style offense, which, according to Wagler, is predicated on spacing the floor and using high ball screens. With the NBA’s influx of European talent, Wagler has a leg up on other prospects.
“I think definitely the European guys in the NBA (are) more overseas players than there have been ever,” Wagler said. “So just already knowing kind of like different cultures and how different people act and things like that has really prepared me, and the style of play we played with at Illinois. … Just having everyone on the floor who can shoot is what it’s going to be like on an NBA team.”
In a draft class full of talented guards, these are just a few ways that Wagler sets himself apart from his counterparts. Wagler’s versatility as a scorer is also another positive to add to the list.
In ball screen action, he makes the right decisions because of his high IQ and is effective in multiple ways, either finishing at the rim or knocking down deep threes. While being on the ball at Illinois, Wagler proved his ability to do this and can bring that talent to an NBA roster.
The one criticism surrounding Wagler while moving through this draft process, though, is his lack of strength and athleticism compared to others in his draft class. It was a critique that followed Wagler throughout the season, even among all the accolades he collected. However, Wagler isn’t letting the outside commentary faze him and is working to overcome his weaknesses.
“I’ve heard it my whole life that I’m not the most athletic, not the fastest,” Wagler said. “I think all last year, I showed that you don’t have to be the most athletic to score the ball or be a really good player. … I just find different ways to use my body, even though I’m not the strongest. Being the aggressor, using my change of pace and getting into the lane.”
Through his pre-draft preparation, Wagler has focused not only on putting on more weight but also on finding ways to become a better scorer around the rim against size. As a part of what Wagler dubbed “the best draft class that there’s ever been,” finding ways to differentiate himself among the crowd is important, and he’s using his experience at Illinois to do that.
@evy_york2