No. 3 Wing
- Keaton Wagler (SO)
Illinois should have a couple of candidates for the Big Ten All-Freshman team this season. One of those is Keaton Wagler. He is a former Kansas Player of the Year, and he will be a massive asset to this program.
I have Wagler developing and being inserted into the starting lineup in 2026-27. He has a great game, and his play will fit perfectly on the wing for the Illini. Wagler should average in the high single digits in points as a freshman, and then he will blossom into a big-time player in year two. I have him as the starter at the No. 3 spot.
- Backup: Jake Davis (SR)
There are some players who get shifted into a starting role, but then there are players who are always going to be role players. I thought Jake Davis had the potential to become a go-to guy for the Illini, but as of right now, it looks like he will be a nice bench player for the rest of time.
That is okay, though. Illinois needs talented role players to get us over the top. Davis is solid at shooting, and he gives it his all every time on the court. He is someone who can win fans over with his hustle. In 2026-27, I still have him as a primary backup at the No. 3 spot.