Shams: Illinois All-American Keaton Wagler to enter 2026 NBA draft

Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler announced Saturday that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft after leading the Fighting Illini to the Final Four for the first time since 2005. The news was first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. Wagler was a consensus second-team All-American, averaging 17.

9 points, 5. 1 rebounds and 4. 2 assists while shooting 39.

7% from 3-point range in 37 games. He set numerous freshman program records, including points (663), scoring average, field goals (202) and 3s (87). The 6-foot-6 guard became the first Illini freshman to earn a consensus All-American selection after ranking third in the country in win shares (5.

5) and 11th in total minutes (1,255). He was also the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-conference pick. View this post on Instagram Wagler registered a record 11 20-point games this past season, including a season-high 46 points and four assists on Jan.