The Illinois basketball team is set to see a boost in its roster for the 2025-26 season with the addition of highly-regarded recruit Keaton Wagler. Despite receiving numerous scholarship offers and visiting several campuses, Wagler chose Illinois, impressed by the team’s recruiting efforts and overall appeal.
Strengthening the Backcourt with Keaton Wagler
Wagler’s commitment promises to significantly enhance Illinois’s backcourt. His arrival comes at a time when the roster may still be influenced by the transfer portal, making it an exciting prospect to see how the team evolves over the next two seasons. Note that two players are not included in this expected lineup, as they are anticipated to enter the 2025 NBA Draft.
Here’s an overview of the anticipated Illinois basketball roster featuring Keaton Wagler:
Starting Point Guard: Ty Rodgers (SR)
If Ty Rodgers remains on the roster for the 2025-26 season, he is expected to be the starting point guard. With Illinois lacking depth in the backcourt, an experienced player like Rodgers would be an ideal choice. Although Rodgers has not yet fully embraced the role of a traditional point guard, there is potential for significant progress in the upcoming season. His development in this role will not only benefit the team’s performance but also enhance his professional prospects. Positioning Rodgers as the primary point guard for the season appears to be the best option for the team.
Backup: Keaton Wagler (FR)
The signing of Keaton Wagler represents a major win for head coach Brad Underwood. Wagler, who is expected to make an immediate impact, has shown versatility and skill that will be crucial for Illinois’s backcourt. Last season, while playing for Shoney Mission Northwest High School, Wagler averaged 12.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Though these stats are solid, it is his impressive three-point shooting percentage of 49.5% that stands out. Wagler’s ball-handling and shooting capabilities make him a formidable threat to opponents, and his addition to the team will be a significant asset.
