North Carolina's Caleb Wilson, Illinois' Keaton Wagler Declare for NBA Draft

Wilson projected as top-4 pick, Wagler expected to go in top-10 range

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:09pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors like blue, orange, and purple.The NBA Draft's influx of elite college talent continues, as two top prospects declare for the pros.Chapel Hill Today

Two top college basketball players, North Carolina's Caleb Wilson and Illinois' Keaton Wagler, have announced they will forgo their remaining college eligibility and enter the 2026 NBA Draft. Wilson, a 6'10" wing, is projected as a likely top-4 pick, while Wagler, a 6'6" guard, has risen up draft boards and is expected to be selected in the top-10 range.

Why it matters

The decisions by Wilson and Wagler to turn pro are significant, as they are both viewed as potential lottery picks who could make an immediate impact in the NBA. Their departures will leave holes in the rosters of their respective college programs, North Carolina and Illinois, as they look to reload for next season.

The details

Wilson, who missed the ACC and NCAA tournaments with a fractured thumb, is still seen as a top prospect due to his combination of size, athleticism and scoring ability. He averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this past season. Wagler, who was not on many radars two years ago, has seen his stock skyrocket after leading Illinois to the Final Four. The 19-year-old guard averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 41% from 3-point range.

  • Wilson announced his decision to turn pro on April 14, 2026.
  • Wagler announced his decision to enter the 2026 NBA Draft.

The players

Caleb Wilson

A 6'10" wing from the University of North Carolina who is projected as a likely top-4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Keaton Wagler

A 6'6" guard from the University of Illinois who has seen his draft stock rise rapidly and is expected to be selected in the top-10 range of the 2026 NBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you CHAPEL HILL🩵”

— Caleb Wilson

“(My back) really was messed up, but I just kept trying to play through it. And then eventually it just led me to the decision that I wasn't going to play in both tournaments — the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament — just because I'm not trained to go half speed at all.”

— Mikel Brown, Louisville Freshman

What’s next

The NBA Draft Combine is scheduled for next month, where Wilson, Wagler and other top prospects will have the opportunity to showcase their skills for NBA teams ahead of the June draft.

The takeaway

The decisions by Wilson and Wagler to turn pro highlight the continued influx of elite talent entering the NBA Draft, as college basketball's top players increasingly opt to forgo their remaining eligibility to pursue their professional dreams. Their departures will leave significant holes for their former college programs to fill.