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Keaton Wagler projected as early lottery pick in NBA draft

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

College Sports

Summary

Keaton Wagler is projected to be selected early in the NBA draft on June 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, marking a historic moment for Illinois men's basketball. If this occurs, it will be the first time Illinois has had first-round picks in three consecutive drafts. The program has seen significant improvement since Brad Underwood became head coach in March 2017, transitioning from a five-year absence of draft picks to now competing with elite programs. Analysts highlight Underwood's innovative recruitment approach, especially with players like Terrence Shannon Jr. and international talents. Wagler’s emergence as a standout freshman further solidifies the program's trajectory.

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By the Numbers

•Wagler expected to be an early lottery pick in NBA draft
•Illinois could achieve first-round picks for three straight years
•Brad Underwood has revitalized Illinois basketball since 2017
•Wagler led Illinois to the Final Four as a standout freshman
•Illinois aiming for continued prominence alongside top programs

Latest Updates

2:47 PMYahoo Sports — String of first-round picks illustrate Brad Underwood's impact on Illinois

What they're saying

"
Jun. 20—CHAMPAIGN — The moment NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reads Keaton Wagler's name aloud Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Illinois men's basketball history will be made. Unless every mock draft and talking head has wildly overshot on the one-and-done Illini's stock, Wagler won't have to wait long for that moment. Projected as an early-lottery pick, his selection will ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 2:47 PM
String of first-round picks illustrate Brad Underwood's impact on Illinois
Jun. 20—CHAMPAIGN — The moment NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reads Keaton Wagler's name aloud Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Illinois men's basketball history will be made. Unless every mock draft and talking head has wildly overshot on the one-and-done Illini's stock, Wagler won't have to wait long for that moment. Projected as an early-lottery pick, his selection will ...

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