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Keaton Wagler leads Illinois' NBA draft prospects next summer

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Basketball

Summary

Keaton Wagler has emerged as a key figure for the Los Angeles Clippers after being selected No. 5 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. He is the fourth first-round pick from Illinois in three years, following Terrence Shannon Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and Will Riley. Looking ahead, five-star freshman Quentin Coleman is projected as a potential next prospect, ranked 17th overall in recent mock drafts. Other names mentioned include Stefan Vaaks, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Andrej Stojakovic, all potential second-round picks. NBA scouts are expected to focus on Illinois this season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Keaton Wagler is the fourth Illinois player selected in the first round since 2024.
•Quentin Coleman is projected to be a top prospect in the 2027 draft.
•NBA front office personnel will be closely monitoring Illinois this season.
•Wagler's selection at No. 5 marks a significant achievement for the program.

Latest Updates

2:47 PMYahoo Sports — Good Morning, Illini Nation: Who's Illinois' next best draft prospect?

What they're saying

"
Aug. 15—The Los Angeles Clippers turned first-round pick Keaton Wagler into their leading man for their schedule release this week. Crazy to think a year ago at this time hype was still in a slow burn for the Illinois guard after an impressive showing in the team's summer workouts. Wagler is Illinois' fourth first-round pick in the last three years, following in the footsteps of Terrence ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Clippers NBA Basketball