Did Keaton Wagler Nearly Return to Illinois for the 2026-27 Season?

Projected top-10 NBA Draft picks don’t return to college basketball. It’s just not a thing. Millions of dollars in guaranteed money is enough to ensure that everyone takes the leap. NIL isn’t going to change that. Sticking around for another year of college hoops – no matter what the draw – simply isn’t worth the risk, so the next level is a no-brainer.

And that’s exactly why Illinois’ standout freshman Keaton Wagler made the decision to enter the 2026 NBA Draft. But for Wagler, always one of one, turning pro wasn’t exactly a given.

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Keaton Wagler seriously considered returning to Illinois for a sophomore season

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) against the Connecticut Huskies in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

We’re not talking about Wagler’s mindset before, or even in the midst of, his astronomical rise from unheralded recruit to potential top-five pick. We’re talking about him already being pegged as a top pick, and still thinking about running it back in Champaign.

“Some people thought this would be an easy decision for me, but it really wasn’t. This was a very tough decision,” Wagler told the media on Wednesday. “And, ultimately, I thought entering the NBA Draft was the best decision for me.

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“I love this place. This place is very special. I’m a person who wants to win. I know if I came back here, we’d have a really good chance of doing what we did last year, and even going to a national championship.”

As for Illini coach Brad Underwood, he seconded the notion that Wagler was legitimately weighing his options:

“I think he had some challenges in terms of making the decision,” Underwood said on Wednesday. “I don’t think it was just as cut-and-dry [as people thought]. Flew to Kansas City and met…

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Publish date : 2026-04-17 03:13:00

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