Sun Jan 11 18:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Illinois Freshman Keaton Wagler’s Unexpected Rise Captivates College Basketball
The Story:
Freshman guard Keaton Wagler has emerged as a star player for the No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team. Wagler, a relatively unknown recruit, leads the team in scoring, assists, and steals, drawing attention from NBA scouts. His impressive performance has led to mock drafts projecting him as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft. The article details Wagler’s background, his decision to forgo playing on major shoe circuits in high school, and the Illinois coaching staff’s early recognition of his talent.
Key Points:
* Keaton Wagler is averaging a team-high 15.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game.
* He is shooting a team-best 42% from three-point range.
* Wagler eschewed playing on the EYBL circuit to remain loyal to his coach and team.
* He was ranked as low as No. 298 in his class before committing to Illinois.
* NBA scouts have begun to take notice, with projections placing him as high as the No. 18 overall pick in some 2026 NBA mock drafts.
* Illinois defeated Southern 90-55 on December 29, 2025, where Wagler nearly achieved a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
* Illinois is 10-3 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten Conference.
* Wagler won two state championships at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.
* The next game for Illinois is against Penn State on Saturday at the Palestra in Philadelphia.
Key Takeaways:
- Under-recruited players can still make a significant impact at the collegiate level.
- Loyalty and player development can outweigh the allure of major shoe circuits.
- Early identification of talent by coaching staff is crucial for program success.
- Wagler’s potential NBA draft stock will heavily depend on his performance throughout the rest of the season.
- The Illinois basketball program is positioning itself as a destination for under-the-radar talent who can rapidly develop into high-level players.
First Piper 