The 2026 NBA Draft is off and running. To no one’s surprise except those in Utah, the Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa first overall. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers selected Keaton Wagler out of Illinois University with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
After being selected, Wagler and his parents sat down with ESPN’s Lisa Salters. While the guard himself offered responses that fans have come to expect, his dad took a different approach.
“He may have a baby face. He may look younger than these other guys. But he is a killer on the court,” Logan Wagler said.
"I got to continue to prove myself to show everyone that I belong here and can be one of the best players in this league."
Keaton Wagler speaks on playing with a chip on his shoulder in the NBA after being drafted by the Clippers
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“We saw that from the day he was born. He was a competitive kid; he’s just wired that way. I think a lot of people overlook him because he’s a little slight in build, and a little bit younger-looking in the face.”
Indeed, the newest member of the Clippers has a slight build. He is 6-foot-5, but listed at only 188 pounds. Very likely, he’ll look to hit the gym and put on some muscle before stepping foot on an NBA court.
But his talent and toughness are undeniable.
During his freshman season, the former Illinois guard averaged 17.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, while shooting 40 percent from downtown and 80 percent from the charity stripe.
Wagler helped lead the Fighting Illini to its first Final Four appearance in 21 years, and second in the last 37 seasons.
Incredibly, he went from being unranked out of high school to getting drafted in the top-5 of the NBA Draft.
“I think it’s just all of the hard work I put in,” he said after being selected. “I’m not worried about what anyone else said… just continuing to prove myself and work hard.”
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