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Illinois Freshman G Keaton Wagler Declares for NBA Draft
Wagler led the Fighting Illini to the Final Four in his debut season.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:49pm
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Keaton Wagler's explosive freshman season at Illinois ends with a bold declaration for the NBA draft.Champaign TodayIllinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler, a consensus second-team All-American, has announced he will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. Wagler, projected as a lottery pick, led the Fighting Illini to a 28-9 record and their first Final Four appearance since 2005 this past season.
Why it matters
Wagler's decision to turn pro after just one standout season at Illinois is a major blow to the program, as he was expected to be a key piece of their roster for the next few years. His departure will leave a significant void that the Illini will need to fill heading into next season.
The details
The 6-foot-6 Wagler topped Illinois with 17.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 34 total steals per game in 37 starts. He also averaged 5.1 rebounds and shot 44.5% from the field and 39.7% from 3-point range. Wagler established new program records amongst freshmen for total points (663) and scoring average, and tied the freshman record for 3-pointers made (87). He was named the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year as well as first-team All-Big Ten and the conference freshman of the year.
- Wagler announced his decision to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
The players
Keaton Wagler
A 6-foot-6 freshman guard who led Illinois in scoring, assists, and steals this past season, earning consensus second-team All-American honors.
Brad Underwood
The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“This past year has been the journey of a lifetime. I never could have imagined what this season had in store for us. Our Final Four run is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
— Keaton Wagler
“The Illini fans are the best in the world. I'll never forget the feeling of hearing State Farm Center go crazy for the kid from Shawnee, Kansas. Thank you to Coach (Brad) Underwood and the entire Illinois staff for believing in me when others did not.”
— Keaton Wagler
What’s next
Wagler is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which will take place in June. His departure is a major loss for the Illinois program, which will need to find a way to replace his production and leadership next season.
The takeaway
Keaton Wagler's decision to turn pro after just one standout season at Illinois is a testament to his immense talent and potential. While his departure is a blow to the Fighting Illini, it also highlights the program's ability to develop elite-level talent that can compete at the highest level of college basketball.
