The Illinois Fighting Illini are heading to the Final Four, and they have freshman sensation Keaton Wagler to thank for it. Wagler, who has been a revelation this season, put up a stellar 25 points against Iowa, propelling Illinois to their first Final Four appearance since 2005.
Wagler's rise from a three-star recruit to a freshman star is nothing short of remarkable. On Saturday, he outshone Iowa's talented Bennett Stirtz, guiding the Illini to victory with his impressive performance. With just two more wins needed, Illinois is eyeing a championship, and Wagler is a key part of that journey.
Wagler’s NCAA Tournament Performance
Throughout the tournament, Wagler has been a consistent force. In four games, he's averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, along with a steal and a block per game. His shooting has been sharp, hitting 43.6% from the field and an impressive 44% from beyond the arc.
His standout moment came against Iowa, where he dropped 25 points, shooting 8-17 from the field and a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. Wagler's ability to perform on the big stage was evident as he played 38 minutes, showcasing his stamina and skill.
Earlier in the tournament, he flirted with a triple-double against Penn, notching 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Against VCU, he added 14 points and five rebounds, and in the Sweet 16 clash with Houston, he overcame a tough shooting night to record a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Wagler and teammate David Mirkovic made history as the first freshman duo to achieve double-doubles in the same NCAA tournament game since 1972.
Wagler’s Recruitment Journey
Wagler's journey to Illinois wasn't marked by high expectations. Ranked as the 261st-best player nationally and the 47th shooting guard, he didn't receive an offer from his dream school, Kansas.
Instead, he chose Illinois over other offers from schools like Murray State and Minnesota. Now, as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, he’s proving the doubters wrong.
NBA Prospects
Wagler's freshman year has put him firmly on the NBA radar. Projected as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, he’s expected to go seventh to the Atlanta Hawks, according to The Sporting News. While the draft class is deep, Wagler's scoring ability and potential make him a standout candidate.
Keaton Wagler’s story is one of grit and talent, and as Illinois heads to the Final Four, his journey is just beginning. With the NBA in his sights, Wagler is a name to watch, both now and in the future.