No. 5 Keaton Wagler
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Pro Comparison: Austin Reaves
Summary
Wagler was an unheralded recruit who was initially viewed as a redshirt candidate. He exceeded expectations at Illinois right away in summer workouts and continued to ascend throughout the season, establishing himself as one of college basketball’s best freshmen. He led Illinois in points and assists per game, becoming just the fourth freshmen in DI history to do that for a Final Four team.
About
- Late-bloomer who was reportedly 5-8 as a high school freshman, ended up winning back-to-back state championships at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas, and was the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state, but only ranked by one national media outlet (247Sports).
- Second Team All-American at Illinois
- Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten.
Strengths
- Overlap of positional size, skill and basketball IQ.
- Natural shooter with versatility to make shots off the catch, dribble, or on the move.
- Has terrific basketball instincts, feel for the game and a very deliberate pace that prevents opposing defenders from speeding him up.
Weaknesses
- Lacks ideal quickness, length, or athleticism.
- Can be a defensive liability if he’s pulled too far away from the basket or his help.
- Can struggle to finish in traffic at times.
Combine Data
- Wingspan: 6 feet, 6.25 inches
- Standing vertical leap: 33 inches
- Standing reach: 8 feet, 4 inches
- Lane agility: 11.05 seconds
- Three quarter sprint: 3.27 seconds
- Max vertical leap: 36 inches"
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No. 46 Kylan Boswell
"Pro Comparison: Jevon Carter
Summary
Boswell enrolled at Arizona as a 17-year-old freshman, played in 35 games off the bench and then returned as the full-time starter as a sophomore. He went into the portal following the season and returned home to Illinois, where he has been a two-year starter and a foundation two-way piece for a team that has won 50 games in the last two seasons.
About
2026 Big Ten All-Defensive Team and Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List.
2026 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention after averaging 12.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
Helped lead Illinois back to the Final Four for the first time since 2005.
Strengths
Long-armed power guard who is built like an NFL fullback with a 226-pound frame and 6-7 wingspan.
Gifted defender who can lock down the opposition’s leading scorer but also be uniquely switchable for someone his size because of his physical strength, balance, and competitiveness.
Shown an ability to play multiple spots on the floor offensively and the unselfishness to do so in order to let his teammates be at their best.
Weaknesses
Has struggled with the consistency of his shooting, something which was initially viewed as an asset, in the last two years. Made just 25% of his total 3-pointers as a junior and while he was able to knock down 42% of his unguarded catch-and-shoot 3-pointers as a senior, his total percentages (31%) were anchored by inconsistent shot-selection.
Has on/off ball versatility for his size, but probably isn’t a true point guard and has always been paired with another decision-making guard in recent years.
Has spurts of being elite defensively, but has to commit to that on a daily, possession by possession, basis, in order to establish his niche in the NBA.
Combine Data
Wingspan: 6 feet, 7 inches
Standing vertical leap: 33 inches
Standing reach: 7 feet, 11 inches
Lane agility: 10.82 seconds
Three quarter sprint: 3.22 seconds
Max vertical leap: 38 inches"
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No. 88 Ben Humrichous
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