The 2026 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Keaton Wagler NBA Draft Profile.
Keaton Wagler Background
Position:
Guard
Size:
6-foot-5, 188 pounds
Class: Freshman
College:
Illinois
2025-2026 stats:
17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.4 blocks, 44.5% FG, 39.7% 3FG, 79.6% FT
Wagler was an under-recruited three-star prospect in the class of 2025 who signed with Illinois out of Kansas. In his one season with Illinois, Wagler put up 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 44.5 percent from the floor, 39.7 percent from deep and 79.6 percent from the line. He led the Fighting Illini to a Final Four appearance in his lone college season.
Following the season, Wagler declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. He is currently projected to be a top 10 pick.
Keaton Wagler Strengths
Wagler has the ability to score in different ways, including creating his own shot. He can set defenders up with his dribble and can hit tough step-back jumpers. Wagler can get to the basket, but also pull up, making him tough to guard. In addition to creating for himself, he can also shoot well off the catch. He can continue to improve his finishing at the basket, but added strength can help with that.
He has the ability to play on or off the ball at the next level. Wagler went through stretches of doing both at Illinois. He can run the offense when asked, seeing the floor well and setting up his teammates. When he plays off the ball, Wagler is able to hit open shots and can get himself open to receive passes.
With the ball in his hands, he is a great creator who doesn’t turn the ball over a lot. He averaged 4.2 assists to 1.8 turnovers per game at Illinois. Wagler can run the pick and roll and make the right read. He can run half-court offense as well and find his teammates for open shots. Wagler protects the ball, while making plays, making him a reliable player to trust with the ball in his hands.
Keaton Wagler Weaknesses
He is just a decent athlete and his skill is more impressive. Wagler doesn’t have the greatest foot speed or quickness, which limits him defensively in his ability to stay in front of his matchups. He plays good team defense and does compete well, though. On offense, he creates separation solidly because of his dribbling, but may struggle to separate from better athletes at the NBA level.
Wagler needs to fill out his frame a bit more, as he is 6-foot-5, but under 190 pounds. He struggles playing through contact and can be pushed around a bit. Wagler also struggles at times finishing at the rim. Adding strength can help him in that area, but also help him match up with more players defensively.
In college, Wagler was a right-hand dominant player who rarely used his left hand. Improving the usage of his left hand, from dribbling to passing to finishing, will help his overall game and can prevent defenders from locking in on some of his repeatable tendencies.
Projected Draft Range: Top 10 Pick
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