Keaton Wagler didn’t just arrive in Champaign-he’s already taking over.
The freshman guard came into the season with plenty of buzz, and it wasn’t just noise. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is known for hyping up his guys, especially the young ones, but this time the praise wasn’t just coach-speak. When veteran leaders in the locker room started echoing that same excitement before the season tipped off, it became clear: this kid might be the real deal.
Now, 12 games into the season, Wagler isn’t just living up to the hype-he’s rewriting it. He’s leading the Illini in scoring while shooting an efficient 46% from the field and an eye-popping 43% from beyond the arc.
That kind of shooting from a freshman guard is rare, but what really jumps off the page is how clean he’s been with the ball. Despite being a primary ball-handler, Wagler is averaging just over one turnover per game.
That kind of poise and control is hard to find in a first-year player, and it’s a big reason why Mihailo Petrovic has struggled to find minutes in the rotation.
Wagler’s early dominance has put the Big Ten-and the NBA-on notice. If he keeps this up, it’s hard to imagine him sticking around for a sophomore season. His combination of scoring efficiency, perimeter shooting, and ball security is the kind of package that scouts drool over.
Of course, the real test is just beginning. Conference play in the Big Ten is no joke.
It’s physical, it’s relentless, and it’s filled with coaches who will make sure Wagler is at the top of every scouting report. How he responds to that attention will tell us even more about his ceiling-not just this season, but down the road.
Still, through a dozen games, there’s no question: Keaton Wagler has not only met expectations, he’s blown right past them.