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Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler said Monday that he worked out for a pair of teams selecting inside the top five ahead of the 2026 NBA draft.
A projected top-five pick, Wagler conducted workouts with the Chicago Bulls and the LA Clippers, who have the fourth and fifth picks, respectively. Shortly after those visits, Wagler canceled workouts with the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings, who have the sixth and seventh picks.
Wager and his representatives felt confident that he didn't need to schedule any other visits, likely an indication that they believe he won't fall further than the Clippers. He offered a full explanation for shutting it down after meeting with the Bulls and Clippers.
"I had already worked out for Chicago, then I was going to the Clippers," Wagler said, via Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. "That’s (pick Nos.) 4 and 5. I think just hearing from them and just kind of knowing where I stood, I kind of just knew I didn’t really need to go and work out, but still meet with teams and talk to them. Also, I just feel like I didn't need to work out, honestly, because they've already seen me play throughout the whole season."
Wagler became the first Illini freshman to be named a consensus All-American after averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range. He set numerous freshman program records, including points (663), field goals (202) and 3s (87).
The 19-year-old is highly touted because of his shooting, feel and ability to convert difficult finishes at the rim. He had a monumental rise up draft boards throughout the year after leading Illinois to its first Final Four appearance since 2005.
Wagler is slated to be among the first guards off the board, with his offensive skill set and potential. The Clippers have been linked to him throughout the predraft process, and they could be zeroing in on bringing him to Southern California.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Keaton Wagler: Illinois guard explains reason for canceling workouts
Continue reading...
A projected top-five pick, Wagler conducted workouts with the Chicago Bulls and the LA Clippers, who have the fourth and fifth picks, respectively. Shortly after those visits, Wagler canceled workouts with the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings, who have the sixth and seventh picks.
Wager and his representatives felt confident that he didn't need to schedule any other visits, likely an indication that they believe he won't fall further than the Clippers. He offered a full explanation for shutting it down after meeting with the Bulls and Clippers.
"I had already worked out for Chicago, then I was going to the Clippers," Wagler said, via Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. "That’s (pick Nos.) 4 and 5. I think just hearing from them and just kind of knowing where I stood, I kind of just knew I didn’t really need to go and work out, but still meet with teams and talk to them. Also, I just feel like I didn't need to work out, honestly, because they've already seen me play throughout the whole season."
Wagler became the first Illini freshman to be named a consensus All-American after averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range. He set numerous freshman program records, including points (663), field goals (202) and 3s (87).
The 19-year-old is highly touted because of his shooting, feel and ability to convert difficult finishes at the rim. He had a monumental rise up draft boards throughout the year after leading Illinois to its first Final Four appearance since 2005.
Wagler is slated to be among the first guards off the board, with his offensive skill set and potential. The Clippers have been linked to him throughout the predraft process, and they could be zeroing in on bringing him to Southern California.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Keaton Wagler: Illinois guard explains reason for canceling workouts
Continue reading...
