Illini freshman guard Keaton Wagler was named a second-team All-American by The Associated Press on Mar. 17, becoming the first freshman in University of Illinois history to receive this honor from the AP. Wagler is also the fifth AP All-American in the last six years under coach Brad Underwood and the 22nd in school history.
This recognition highlights Wagler’s standout season and his impact on both the team and college basketball nationally. His achievements come as part of a program with a long tradition of success, including multiple NCAA Final Four appearances and Big Ten Conference titles, according to the official website.
Wagler’s season included being named a first-team All-American by Bleacher Report, earning second-team honors from The Sporting News and Field of 68, and being a finalist for several national awards such as the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award, Lute Olson Award, and Kyle Macy Award. He was also selected as Big Ten Freshman of the Year and made First-Team All-Big Ten. Statistically, he is one of only three NCAA freshmen averaging at least 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game this season. He set an Illinois freshman scoring record with 573 points so far and has scored in double figures in each of his last 24 games.
The University of Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team plays its home games in Champaign, Illinois, competes in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Big Ten Conference, and uses “Fighting Illini” as its athletics nickname according to the official website. The program has earned Big Ten Conference titles in numerous years dating back to 1915.
Wagler joins a list of notable past Illini AP All-Americans such as Kofi Cockburn (2022), Ayo Dosunmu (2021), Dee Brown (2005-06), Luther Head (2005), Ken Norman (1987), Derek Harper (1983), Skip Thoren (1965), Rod Fletcher (1952), Dike Eddleman (1948-49) among others.
As Wagler continues his collegiate career with Illinois, observers will watch how he builds on this historic freshman campaign within one of college basketball’s storied programs.
