Illinois’ Keaton Wagler declares for NBA Draft

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini takes the court for pregame warm ups before a game against the Connecticut Huskies in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images

He’s off to the NBA (most likely).

Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler declared for the NBA Draft on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Wagler had one of the great freshman seasons in Illinois history, with the most points in a single season by a first-year player.

He also led the Illini to their first Final Four in 21 years.

As Charania points out, Wagler is ranked No. 5 in ESPN’s Top 100 in the draft, so expect him to be a lottery pick at worst. If he gets picked in the lottery, he’ll be Illinois’ first lottery pick since Meyers Leonard.

Much more to come on Keaton in the coming days and weeks, but what a sensational year it was to watch him in orange and blue.