Writing Illini
Fansided

Keaton Wagler has the Illinois brand toward the top of a prestigious award

Illinois basketball has dropped two games in a row in overtime, but that hasn't changed the minds of who might win the John R. Wooden Award.
ByRees Woodcock|
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Feb 4, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) drives past Northwestern Wildcats guard Justin Mullins (20) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Feb 4, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) drives past Northwestern Wildcats guard Justin Mullins (20) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

It has been a pretty fun season for the Illinois basketball program, as another NCAA tournament is on the horizon.

Despite a recent two-game losing streak, the Illini still find themselves 20-5 overall and 11-3 in the Big Ten. None of these accomplishments would be possible without the guidance and leadership of true freshman Keaton Wagler.

Wagler was a sensation from game one, dropping 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists against Jackson State back in early November. That all-around great ability hasn’t slowed down much, as he just completed his second 30-point game in the last six contests.

This remarkable season has been noticed by many pundits and fans, but now the betting sites are starting to take a shine to Wagler.

In the most updated DraftKings betting odds, Wagler is sitting at 40-1 to win the John R. Wooden Award for the best player in college basketball. That is actually the fourth-best odds among all players in the game, with Cameron Boozer (-1400), AJ Dybantsa (11-1), and Braden Smith (28-1) being the only players ahead of him.

It would be pretty special if Wagler could creep up there and notch the John R. Wooden Award. This would be the first time a member of the Illini won the prestigious honor.

The last player to accomplish this feat was Cooper Flagg, who won the award in 2025. Zach Edey won it back-to-back in the years prior.

Keaton Wagler has the numbers to compete for the John R. Wooden Award

I know that Boozer is a great player, and he plays for one of the legendary programs in the college game. But when you compare Boozer and Wagler, the two aren’t that dissimilar.

Boozer is currently averaging 23.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He also shoots 57.8% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range.

Wagler is right behind him, as he is averaging 18.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He also averages 46.4% from the field and 43.7% from three-point range.

So, Boozer has Wagler in points, rebounds, steals, and field goal percentage. Wagler has Boozer in assists and three-point percentage. There is also more nuance, as Wagler is more of a perimeter player, and Boozer likes to go into the paint more. So, Boozer’s field goal percentage and rebounding will be higher.

Regardless of who wins the John R. Wooden Award, one thing is for certain. This freshman class is pretty special, and they are making an impact on the college game.

Home/Illinois Basketball