It has been slow going for the Illinois basketball program when it comes to the class of 2025.
There are zero commitments for the Illini thus far, and I am not sure there will be one for the 2025 class before the upcoming season starts.
One option has emerged as a serious contender for a potential commitment in recent days, though. The potential first pledge for the class of 2025 is Keaton Wagler.
Wagler is a 6-foot-6, 180-pound guard from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 36 shooting guard in the class of 2025. He is also the No. 2 player coming out of Kansas.
I’m blessed to receive an offer from @IlliniMBB | @CoachUnderwood @SmnwHoops @vicwilli @VWBAelite @RL_Hoops pic.twitter.com/k6j2eN1m0D
— Keaton Wagler (@KeatonW34) August 23, 2024
Illinois offered Wagler a scholarship on August 22. He was in the middle of taking official visits then and just got done with a visit to Minnesota this past weekend. Wagler then decided to take one more official visit, and he will be taking that visit to Illinois this weekend starting September 13.
The high school resume for Wagler is pretty impressive. He suits up for Shawnee Mission Northwest, and they went on a tear in 2023-24.
The Cougars went 25-0 overall and entered the 6A Kansas State Championship as the No. 1 overall seed. Shawnee Mission Northwest didn’t have much trouble until the title game. They ended up winning the state championship 47-39 over Heights High School.
Wagler played well last season too. He averaged 12.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He also shot lights out from three-point range, knocking down 46-of-93, which is 49.5%. That is an insane number.
Illinois’ usage of Wagler would be interesting to watch too. In an interview with Eric Bossi of 247Sports, Wagler talks about Illinois and how we might use him in more of a point guard role.
Honestly, I don’t think it matters what position Wagler plays. I think he could be the No. 1 through No. 3 spot on the court for the Illini. With his shooting and size, he would be a nightmare for opposing teams. Hopefully, we can land Wagler in the coming weeks. Bossi also mentions in the article that Wagler is nearing a decision. Keep an eye on this recruitment.
