Former Kansas City high school star announces he will be entering the NBA Draft
Thirteen months ago, guard Keaton Wagler was celebrating Shawnee Mission Northwest’s second straight Kansas Class 6A basketball championship.
Although he had tremendous high school success, Wagler flew under the national radar until Illinois’ basketball season began. Wagler had immediate success with the Illini (to the surprise of his parents) and caught the attention of fans across the country.
NBA scouts also took note of Wagler, who was a second-team All-American and led the Illini to the Final Four.
Less than a year after he graduated from high school, Wagler on Saturday announced he would enter the NBA Draft in a letter to Illinois fans that he shared on social media.
“This past year has been the journey of a lifetime,” Wagler wrote on Instagram. “I never could have imagined what this season had in store for us. Our Final Four run is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
“The Illini fans are the best in the world,” Wagler wrote. “I’ll never forget the feeling of hearing State Farm Center go crazy for the kid from Shawnee, Kansas. Thank you to coach (Brad) Underwood and the entire Illinois staff for believing in me when others did not.
“Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamt of playing basketball on the biggest stage. After speaking with my family and reflecting on this amazing journey, I’ve decided it’s time to turn that dream into reality. I will be declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.”
That couldn’t have come as a surprise to Shawnee Mission Northwest coach David Birch. He’s been contacted by most NBA teams.
“For me, it’s probably easier to say who hasn’t called,” Birch said. “I have not heard from the Lakers, Knicks, Boston, Dallas, Toronto and the Clippers. Everybody else, I’ve talked to. Twenty-four teams. I really talked a long time with the Bucks and the Warriors. Those are the ones that probably called me the most.”
Wagler, who is 6-foot-6, started all 37 games for the Illini and averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Most mock drafts have Wagler being a lottery pick.
The NBA Draft will be in June in Brooklyn, New York.
