Story by
Keaton Wagler NBA mock draft projection: Where Illinois star is expected to land
- Story by
- Keaton Wagler NBA mock draft projection: Where Illinois star is expected to land
The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Illinois's Keaton Wagler is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.
Advertisement
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Keaton Wagler 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 8 overall, Atlanta Hawks
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
After trading away Trae Young, the Hawks could use a guard like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. The 19-year-old guard has played a crucial role for his team to earn a spot in the Sweet 16. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 40.8 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 4.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game this season.
Advertisement
See USA TODAY's full mock draft here
Keaton Wagler player profile
(all stats as of March 15)
-
Position: Guard
-
Current Team: Illinois
-
17.9 points per game
-
4.8 rebounds per game
-
4.4 assists per game
-
44.6% field goal percentage
-
40.2% three-point field goal percentage
Atlanta Hawks 2026 projected draft picks
-
No. 7 (via NOP), No. 22 (via CLE) and No. 57 (via BOS)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keaton Wagler NBA mock draft projection: Where Illinois star is expected to land
