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U of I basketball star Keaton Wagler declares for NBA Draft

3 weeks ago in College, News, Sports

U of I basketball star Keaton Wagler declares for NBA Draft

Photo: Associated Press


CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Keaton Wagler, the Illinois Fighting Illini squad’s freshman guard who put together one of the most decorated freshman seasons in program history, announced Saturday on Instagram that he is entering the 2026 NBA Draft.

Wagler’s debut season was historic by nearly every measure. The All-American shattered Illinois freshman records in points (663), scoring average (17.9 per game), 20-point games (11), field goals (202), three-pointers (87), free throws (172), starts (37), minutes played (1,254), and wins (28).

The Shawnee, Kansas native became the first Illinois freshman to earn consensus All-American honors and claimed the 2026 Jerry West Award, given annually to the nation’s top shooting guard. Wagler was also named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA South Regional after leading the Illini to their first Final Four appearance in 21 years.

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Story © 2026 Saga Communications - Images © 2026 Associated Press

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