After two standout performances to open Big Ten Conference play for No. 18 Illinois (8-3, 1-1), freshman guard Keaton Wagler was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Wagler set multiple career highs last week, scoring 23 points in Illinois’ Big Ten opener against Ohio State and 10 assists in the loss to No. 15 Nebraska. He also secured his first career double-double on Saturday afternoon.
Although Wagler only received two major Division I offers out of high school, he has quickly become one of the nation’s most talked about freshmen, now even showing up on NBA Draft boards in the first round. Wagler is currently averaging 15.1 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game 11 games into the season. He also is shooting solid percentages across the board including 38.9% from three and 83.6% from the free-throw line.
“Most people thought that I might not play as a freshman,” Wagler said about putting his play to start the year into perspective. “But (I’m) just coming in here, working hard, having a chip on my shoulder … Going out there and doing what I can do.”
Even as a freshman, Wagler is one of the most efficient and consistent players on Illinois’ roster. Not only does he repeatedly score in double figures against top opponents, but his high IQ allows him to be trusted to make smart offensive decisions. The freshman recorded zero turnovers against No. 20 Tennessee while playing 34 minutes. Wagler’s constant effort on both ends of the floor also doesn’t go unnoticed.
“He doesn’t overcomplicate things,” said junior wing Andrej Stojaković. “He just plays his game, and I think watching (Wagler) from the sideline was when I was most impressed. …He plays with such a smooth pace, and physicality doesn’t affect him.”
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Wagler’s confidence and competitive nature isn’t a new idea for his teammates. From the minute Wagler stepped foot on Illinois’ campus last summer, he was ready to compete and continually improve his game.
“(Wagler) won everything over the summer,” said graduate student forward Ben Humrichous. “We kind of kept a tally of who won how many open gyms, and Wagler won them all essentially. …He’s just a winning player.”
That same competitive attitude translated right into the Illini’s gauntlet of a non-conference schedule, consisting of four top-15 opponents only a month into the season. Wagler didn’t shy away from that challenge, though. Instead, he used it to secure his place in Illinois’ starting lineup by constantly improving and stepping up.
“This is my first time playing on this big of a stage,” Wagler said. “I think just practicing every day, working hard and showing (head coach Brad Underwood) what I can do is what gives him trust.”
Against UConn in late November, Wagler recorded a season low in minutes played with 14 and tallied only 3 points. After the tough loss, Wagler took Underwood’s message to the team about playing tougher to heart and bounced back in a huge way the next week. Wagler scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Illini past the Volunteers in Nashville, Tennessee. This improvement not only showed his coachability but his poise and maturity as a young player.
“Keaton just plays,” Underwood said. “The environment doesn’t bother him. Maybe a little bit of the physicality, but it’s just a matter of him getting comfortable.”
With every game, Wagler unlocked another layer to his versatile skillset on the offensive end. From the opening tip, the freshman proved his ability to be a slasher in the paint and get to the free-throw line. He also became an avid offensive rebounder, recording a season-high five in the win over Texas Tech. Now, Wagler is starting to show off his 3-point shot and potential as a facilitator.
In terms of dependability on the court, Wagler is becoming similar to his counterpart on the perimeter, senior guard Kylan Boswell. Game after game, Boswell is another player who consistently steps up in big ways for the Illini, and Wagler is mirroring that same trait. Whether that is playing with composure on offense or defending an opposing team’s most dangerous player, Boswell is a contributor to Wagler’s development.
“(Boswell) talks to (Wagler) a lot,” Underwood said. “I think it’s one of the things that’s helped ease him.”
The composure that Wagler played with during the non-conference slate didn’t go away once Big Ten play began. In his first taste of conference competition, Wagler wasn’t fazed by the conference’s tough road environments or physicality. Rather, he recorded back-to-back games in double figures and shot an impressive 7 for 13 from three over the two contests.
“I always do just try to not focus too much,” Wagler said about preparing for Big Ten games. “I try to be super locked in because that just makes me not play well. I just try to keep myself loose and smile out there. Just have fun playing the game.”
Wagler has another opportunity to help the Illini get back on a winning track next week. When Illinois travels to St. Louis to take on Missouri in the McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights rivalry game on Dec. 22, Wagler will have another chance to show just why NBA scouts are taking note and why Illinois may have another one-and-done player on its horizon.
@evy_york2
