Good Morning, Illini Nation: What the mocks are saying about Keaton Wagler | sports
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Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your each day dose of school basketball information from Illini beat author and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll supply up insights each morning on Brad Underwood’s group and faculty basketball at massive:
Keaton Wagler has a busy two months forward prepping for the 2026 NBA Draft. Workouts in Minneapolis the subsequent few weeks. The draft mix from May 10-17 in Chicago. Any different visits or exercises groups drafting in the prime 10 may need earlier than making their decide on June 23 in New York.
Declaring for the draft was the anticipated choice from the Illinois freshman. Maybe not 100% clear reduce all through the course of, however, inevitably, what most everybody assumed would occur.
With the draft two months out, although, what are the varied mocks saying about the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and consensus Second Team All-American?
J. Kyle Mann, The Ringer
No. 6, Atlanta Hawks
“One of the highest-processing handlers/facilitators/initiators (whatever snobby term you’re willing to permit) in the entire class. Methodical and detailed in his movements and angles as it pertains to how and when he attacks space. Very willing to ‘hit a single’ early in an action and then continue moving. Strong decision-maker.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report
No. 6, Memphis Grizzlies
“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 powerful shotmaking, quick processing and IQ/maturity.”
Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo! sports
No. 6, Memphis Grizzlies
“Wagler isn’t an elite vertical athlete, as evidenced by his zero dunks on the year. But he is 6-6 with a long wingspan, has elite footwork, can decelerate on drives and has an excellent feel for the game. He could be a perfect fit for head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s pick-and-roll offense.”
Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports
No. 5, Utah Jazz
“What distinguishes Wagler is his size, shooting, feel for the game, and on-off ball versatility. On the heels of a breakout year from Keyonte George, it’s that ability to still impact the game off the ball that would make him potentially the best fit in Utah.”
Bryan Kalbrosky, USA Today
No. 8 Dallas Mavericks
“The Mavericks had the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and could benefit from a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role to help the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals.”
