I do think 3/4 is somewhat caused by him pressing.
Illini Basketball 2025-2026
- Status
he looked mobile cheering his !!! off during our win! appreciate this guy!
I'd press too if I came in late and Wagler's showing out...
For me, one of the most impressive things about Wagler is that he lets the game come to him. He seems to have great ability to analyze what's going on and adjust his game accordingly. I believe that's how he can appear to be shut down for an early part of a game and then just take over. I grew up watching Walt Frazier (Google the name for the younger crowd 
). Frazier looked so smooth that I ended up surprised sometimes when I looked and saw how he had stuffed the stat sheet. And he would just take over in crunch time. Not saying Wagler is at the level of a NBA Hall of Famer (yet), but he does have some of the same characteristics, things that play well across generations of basketball.
). Frazier looked so smooth that I ended up surprised sometimes when I looked and saw how he had stuffed the stat sheet. And he would just take over in crunch time. Not saying Wagler is at the level of a NBA Hall of Famer (yet), but he does have some of the same characteristics, things that play well across generations of basketball.Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
This current 6-game winning streak is the longest one we have had since the end of 2024, when we won 7 in a row starting with the regular season finale at Iowa and going through the Sweet Sixteen win vs. Iowa. If we can take care of Minnesota and Maryland at home, and 8-game winning streak would be something we haven't seen we locked up our #1 seed in late 2021. These are the only streaks of 8 wins in a row or longer since 2000:
29 Games: Nov. 19, 2004 to March 3, 2005
15 Games: Nov. 18, 2005 to Jan. 5, 2006
12 Games: Nov. 19, 2012 to Dec. 16, 2012
12 Games: Jan. 31, 2004 to March 13, 2004
10 Games: Nov. 11, 2011 to Dec. 11, 2011
9 Games: Feb. 7, 2002 to March 8, 2002
8 Games: Feb. 25, 2021 to March 19, 2021
8 Games: Nov. 24, 2002 to Dec. 21, 2002
29 Games: Nov. 19, 2004 to March 3, 2005
15 Games: Nov. 18, 2005 to Jan. 5, 2006
12 Games: Nov. 19, 2012 to Dec. 16, 2012
12 Games: Jan. 31, 2004 to March 13, 2004
10 Games: Nov. 11, 2011 to Dec. 11, 2011
9 Games: Feb. 7, 2002 to March 8, 2002
8 Games: Feb. 25, 2021 to March 19, 2021
8 Games: Nov. 24, 2002 to Dec. 21, 2002
And first time going 4-0 on the road in Big10 play since 05!
I have a feeling that is most of the issue when it comes to talented kids. I know he isn't a kid, but he came in late, got hurt, and Wagler is playing his tail off. Every tiny opportunity has to feel like it's make-or-break for him, and right now it might be.
He is trying to do too much when the simple play would make him look really good because he has the skill set to be really good.
Our next road game is at Mackey, so this is going to be a diffcult streak to continue. Purdue is maddening, though. Every time I watch them, I feel like they're so beatable, and then they pull the victory out anyway.
I mean… that’s literally THE problem and what can’t happen. He’s not going to be a 30min guy with the amount of talent we have. Simply not going to happen with Keaton (and Kylan) on the team.
You either have to a) embrace your role and provide quality minutes in the limited time you’re on the court (think Jake Davis) or b) not play at all. Seems like as of now he’s destined for the latter.
Last edited:
Yeah he’s very very clearly is pressing and trying to do too much.
Unless he’s gotten a massive shift mentally, I don’t see him contributing much this year. Given what Lee provides off the bench in a pinch and the quality of guard play ahead of him between Boswell, Wagler, and Stoja, it’s also borderline impossible for most guys.
Ideally he practices hard, hones his craft, and is ready to provide meaningful minutes next season.
Bigtex
- DFW
Top3 questions daily
Any update on Ty playing this year? There will be an article or new topic if there is news.
why did Petro get so few (or no) minutes The eye test and it hasn't been good
Did you see Morez play or line....
A fun question would be: who is more UNLIKELY to return next season, Wagler or Petro?
I honestly see Petro in the same hemisphere as Booth at this point. He was actually in a pretty decent spot overseas. He did get the bag though.
Crazy how Keaton probably got the lowest $$ of all these guys.
I honestly see Petro in the same hemisphere as Booth at this point. He was actually in a pretty decent spot overseas. He did get the bag though.
Crazy how Keaton probably got the lowest $$ of all these guys.
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
I suspect the vision, layups, shot selection and team play would improve with more playing time, but his defensive deficiencies are keeping that from happening.
I think it was rumored on here that Petro was in the 1-1.5m range. I think he’d trade that just to sit on the bench and practice.
As for your question, that’d be like asking the same thing between Booth and KJ last season. Neither will be back unless something goes completely sideways. And IMHO, if Petro is our starting PG next year, that’d be a pretty big dropoff from Wagler this season. So it’s a merit-less discussion all things considered.
As for your question, that’d be like asking the same thing between Booth and KJ last season. Neither will be back unless something goes completely sideways. And IMHO, if Petro is our starting PG next year, that’d be a pretty big dropoff from Wagler this season. So it’s a merit-less discussion all things considered.
Agree, but I feel compelled to point out the reactions after the UTRGV game which were pretty much the opposite of the comments here.
Dariush Takhtehchian, M.D
@takhtehchianmd
22-year-old Mihailo Petrovic. As advertised. Already has 12 pts, 3 dimes, 2 boards in 12 minutes
Someone posted, "I need more Mihailo."
And another: I'll go out on a limb here and say we got a good one in Petrovic.
Really good, really quick.
And other similar posts.
So, if or when Wagler goes to the NBA and MP stays with the Illini, maybe he can be the point guard next year. Depending on who they bring in. I see him as similar to Curbelo, although, of course, without his “problems”.
Dariush Takhtehchian, M.D
@takhtehchianmd
22-year-old Mihailo Petrovic. As advertised. Already has 12 pts, 3 dimes, 2 boards in 12 minutes
Someone posted, "I need more Mihailo."
And another: I'll go out on a limb here and say we got a good one in Petrovic.
Really good, really quick.
And other similar posts.
So, if or when Wagler goes to the NBA and MP stays with the Illini, maybe he can be the point guard next year. Depending on who they bring in. I see him as similar to Curbelo, although, of course, without his “problems”.
Kinda sounds like the Bears...lol...Go Bears!
We do have the size to bother them that some of the teams they've feasted on, just don't.
That's gonna change soon.
When's the last time we had 2 freshmen come in like this?
6'6 Wagler 16 / 5 / 4
6'9 Mirkovic 12 / 8 / 3
Both are above 80% from the FT line, and both are tough.
I just don't understand how Petro was EVER the Adriatic league (ABA) MVP (someone said)...or at least an MVP candidate? And that is a top-tier league in Europe Basketball.
I mean, if he was really "this" bad, he would not have been such as stand out player in that league. Probably would have been a bench player.
Isn't it possible he just has to get a few minutes to get his head right and work stuff out? I agree with the "quit pressing" comments.
Last edited:
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
We can't. He's played 16 total minutes against real opponents since Thanksgiving.
It's weird to me that BU isn't working harder to nurse this situation back to health, Petro is an extraordinarily accomplished basketball player for a college newcomer.
What reason does he have for that?
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
The upside for this year and beyond for having a player like Petro firing on all cylinders is huge, plus the wider open we can keep that Euro pipeline the better.
No one could have predicted the Wagler thing, and the way he's playing he's got to have the ball in his hands, and plus the necessary presence of Boswell that naturally limits Petro's opportunities, but not like THIS.
Brandon Lee played ahead of him last night. Is he ever going to see the floor for us again?
It's BU, we are always going to be able to bring more talent in, it's not like this is a do-or-die program issue, it's just really inexplicable and a shame.
- Status