Illinois freshman G Keaton Wagler to declare for NBA draft

Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler, a consensus second-team All-American, will declare for the NBA Draft, he said on social media on Saturday.

Wagler, projected as a lottery pick in the draft, led the Fighting Illini to a 28-9 record and their first Final Four since 2005.

"This past year has been the journey of a lifetime," Wagler wrote on his Instagram account. "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."

Wagler is the first freshman in program history to earn consensus All-America accolades and will have his jersey honored at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill.

The 6-foot-6 Wagler topped Illinois with 17.9 points and 4.2 assists per game and 34 total steals in starting all 37 games. 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.

"The Illini fans are the best in the world," Wagler wrote. "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. Since I was a kid, I've dreamt of playing basketball on the biggest stage. After speaking with my family and reflecting on this amazing journey, I've decided it's time to turn that dream into reality. I will be declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft. Champaign, Illinois will always hold a special place in my heart."

--Field Level Media