The future was in the building at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, as the Clippers' newest draft pick Keaton Wagler touched down in the City of Angels on Wednesday.
Wagler, who was selected No. 5 overall in this year's NBA Draft, became well acquainted with his new home in Los Angeles. The former Illini superstar was welcomed with open arms by Clippers Nation throughout the afternoon, as he met some of the fans and staff while walking through the arena.
Welcome to @IntuitDome, Keaton! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/U11OHTqJK9
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 24, 2026
It was a Keaton Coronation of sorts, as Wagler walked along paths that were lined with fans from all across the area. There were large cutouts of his face scattered as far as the eye could see, with gigantic video boards displaying his name in big bold letters.
Wagler was on cloud nine throughout the entire experience, showing off a smile that stretched from one ear to the other. The Shawnee, Kansas, product knew he made it, especially when he had the chance to see his official NBA jersey for the first time.
Keaton Wagler reacts to his first NBA jersey in his new locker room 👀 pic.twitter.com/RwRXDOOevS
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 25, 2026
It is the start of a new era for Wagler and the Clippers organization, as the team's top pick will be ditching the No. 23 for the No. 1. He will now become the start of a major overhaul on a team that currently has Kawhi Leonard and once housed the likes of James Harden and Darius Garland.
Keaton Wagler's story from high school to the pros makes this entire draft process feel surreal
We all know the story of Wagler, the kid from Shawnee, Kansas, who was under-recruited out of high school. It was one of the biggest talking points throughout the entire 2025-26 season, as well as the 2026 NCAA tournament.
When this young man first came to Illinois, he was supposed to be a developmental player whom Brad Underwood could mold into someone special. But that didn't need to happen, because Wagler elevated his game to a whole other level almost right out of the gate.
The 6-foot-6 guard became a college basketball sensation overnight, and it has led him to his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. It is a special moment for Wagler, his family, and every Illinois fan to the point where these videos just feel surreal.
This is something that we were not expecting nine short months ago, but we are ecstatic that it has. It will be an absolute blast to see Wagler don the Clippers blue and red next season, even if we have to stay up super late to catch the West Coast tip-off.
Go be great, Keaton. Illini Nation is proud of you!
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