BREAKING: #Illini Keaton Wagler selected at No. 5 overall in the NBA Draft by the LA Clippers.
Highest drafted Illinois player since Deron Williams was taken third in 2005.
From composite ranked No. 261 in the 2025 recruiting class to a top five NBA Draft pick.
(Photo: Illinois Athletics)
1 year ago, Keaton Wagler was an 18-year-old kid ranked #261 in his class on 247 sports. Only high-major offers were Minnesota and Illinois.
1 year later, he is the #5 pick in the NBA Draft. One of the more dramatic rises to stardom we’ve ever seen.
A top 30 recruit who could’ve played at any college in the country
He picked his home state school that hadn’t been to the tournament in years
Ayo Dosunmu took a chance on Illinois when no when else would
He’s rewarded with a $100 million dollar contract