Illinois Freshman Guard Keaton Wagler Declares for NBA Draft

Wagler led the Fighting Illini to the Final Four in his breakout season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange representing the dynamic action on the court.Wagler's departure leaves Illinois with a void to fill, but the program's ability to develop NBA-caliber talent remains on display.Shawnee Today

Illinois basketball freshman Keaton Wagler, who was a key player in the team's Final Four run this past season, has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. Wagler, ranked 5th in ESPN's Top 100, averaged 17.9 points per game and shot 44.5% from the floor during his standout freshman campaign.

Why it matters

Wagler's departure is a major loss for the Illinois basketball program, which was ranked No. 1 in the country for part of the 2025-26 season. Head coach Brad Underwood must now find a way to replace the production and leadership Wagler provided as the team looks to build on its Final Four appearance.

The details

Wagler announced his decision to enter the NBA Draft in a lengthy social media post, thanking his coaches, teammates, and the passionate Illinois fanbase. The 6-foot-6 guard emerged as one of the key players during the Illini's tournament run, scoring 20 points against UConn in the Final Four and dropping 25 points in the regional final win over rival Iowa.

  • Wagler declared for the 2026 NBA Draft on April 11, 2026.
  • He led Illinois to the Final Four for the first time since 2005 this past season.

The players

Keaton Wagler

A 6-foot-6 freshman guard who was ranked 5th in ESPN's Top 100 and led Illinois to the Final Four, averaging 17.9 points per game and shooting 44.5% from the floor.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois basketball team, who must now find a way to replace Wagler's production and leadership as the team looks to build on its Final Four appearance.

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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, Illinois Freshman Guard

What’s next

Wagler's departure leaves a significant hole in the Illinois roster, and head coach Brad Underwood will need to identify and recruit new talent to fill the void left by the star freshman's decision to turn pro.

The takeaway

Keaton Wagler's decision to enter the NBA Draft after a breakout freshman season is a major blow for the Illinois basketball program, but it also highlights the program's ability to develop top-tier talent that can compete at the highest level. The Illini will need to quickly reload in order to maintain their status as a national contender.