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Illinois basketball shifts to reload mode following its Final Four return. That now includes replacing top freshman scoring machine Keaton Wagler.
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The versatile shooting and point guard declared for the 2026 NBA Draft Saturday evening. Wagler is hearing top five chatter amid his decision to leave Champaign.
Granted, head coach Brad Underwood and his staff have other positions to address. Especially the front court with Toni Bilic entering the College Basketball Transfer Portal before Wagler’s departure.
Illinois will head to 2026-27 increasing expectations. Even The Athletic calls the Illini its early pick for No. 1 overall.
But Illinois must nail its portal class to spark a national title run. Starting with signing this high-profile talent.
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Player Illinois must sign
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Wagler’s exit fuels this pick here.
Stefan Vaaks of Providence rises as the early replacement idea for the freshman. The 6-foot-7 combo guard is 247Sports’ No. 13 overall transfer prospect but the nation’s No. 2 shooting guard. The outlet also lists him as a four-star.
Vaaks would enter Champaign as a taller “Wagler” in Underwood’s system. The former Friars star brings strong shot-making ability who can distribute the ball too.
He banked 35% of his 3-pointers playing for the Big East representative. Vaaks presents a quick shooting release Underwood covets.
The freshman showed a high basketball IQ, despite being considered a novice for the CBB game. He found holes in defenses and swiftly attacked them.
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Can Illinois lock in Stefan Vaaks?
The native of Estonia likely has commanded lots of attention in the portal.
North Carolina rises as another contender to watch for this reason: Michael Malone now in place. Malone won the NBA Finals in 2023 relying on an international talent named Nikola Jokic. Malone brings a lengthy history with maximizing foreigner prospects and likely will do the same in Chapel Hill.
Vaaks’ next stop must correct his defensive game next season. He showed his most flaws there while playing for one of the Big East’s worst defenses.
But Underwood and Illinois will fawn over Vaaks’ performances against big-name foes.
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Vaaks dropped 23 points and hit 55.6% of this 3-pointers against St. John’s on March 12. The same Red Storm that advanced to the Sweet 16. He also lit up Rick Pitino’s crew with 20 points during a Valentine’s Day meeting.
Villanova witnessed Vaaks’ scoring prowess twice too. He hit 25 and 21 points against the Wildcats despite taking the regular season losses.
Vaaks rises as an immediate fill-in for Wagler and a top portal priority for Illinois.
Related: North Carolina HC Michael Malone to meet with top Wake Forest transfer
Related: Texas Longhorns add ex-Colorado star guard in transfer portal
