Illinois' Keaton Wagler Declares for 2026 NBA Draft, Latest B/R Mock Draft Projection

Illinois guard Keaton Wagler declared for the 2026 NBA draft on Saturday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo.

Wagler helped the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA tournament as a freshman.

Wagler is projected to be selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the most recent mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman.

"The athletic and physical limitations could keep Wagler out of the top five, but it's become easier and easier to bet on him problem-solving stronger defenders with potent shotmaking, quick processing and IQ/maturity," Wasserman wrote.

Wagler averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 44.5 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three-point territory during his lone season at Illinois.

He was particularly effective during the team's March Madness run, recording 18.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game across five NCAA tournament contests.

Wagler was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and received First Team All-Big Ten recognition. He was also a 2025-26 NCAA Consensus All-American, becoming the first Illinois freshman to ever earn the honor.

The school also confirmed that his jersey will be lifted to the rafters of the State Farm Center.

Wagler's breakout freshman campaign was particularly impressive considering he was only listed as the No. 261 prospect in the country as part of the 2025 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

While the exact date of the 2026 NBA draft is still to be determined, Wagler likely won't have to wait too long before he hears his name called once the first round begins.