It was a great Tuesday night for Illinois basketball fans, as Keaton Wagler was selected in the 2026 NBA Draft.
With pick No. 5 overall, the Los Angeles Clippers picked Wagler. It was a nervy half-hour, waiting for Wagler’s name to be called. We didn’t know where he would go, but the Illini guard ended up landing at one of the best spots possible.
This selection was pretty big for Wagler, as he now has a new home and is one of the elite picks in the NBA Draft. It also gives Illinois a first-round draft pick. This is starting to become a trend with the Orange and Blue.
Under Brad Underwood, the Illini have now had three straight NBA Drafts with a player picked. To go even further, we have had three straight drafts with an Illinois player selected in the first round.
Wagler is the latest first round selection to come out of Champaign. Last year, Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley were both taken in the first round. In 2024, Terrence Shannon Jr. heard his name called in the first round.
You have to go back to the 1985, 1986, and 1987 NBA Drafts to find the last time an Illinois player was selected in three straight drafts.
To take things a step further, this is the first time Illinois has ever had a first round pick in three straight drafts. Let that soak in. With the selection of Wagler, we just witnessed Illinois basketball history.
I think it is fair to say that Brad Underwood is turning Illinois basketball into an NBA hub
It is kind of crazy to think what the Illini have turned into under Underwood. Before he took over, the NBA Draft was so rare.
From the 2007 NBA Draft through the 2020 NBA Draft, Illinois had one player selected. Just one. It was Meyers Leonard in the 2012 NBA Draft. He went No. 12 overall.
Underwood takes over, and in the span of six NBA Drafts, the Illini have now had five players selected, and Kylan Boswell could hear his name called on Wednesday night. Four of the five players picked have been in the first round, too.
Illinois brings players in, wins on the court, and shoots them out into the NBA. This is how the college game should work. Underwood has the Orange and Blue elevated to one of the premier programs in the country.
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