By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Co-Owner & Insider/Analyst

June 23, 2026

For many years, Illinois was an irrelevant school name on draft night. No players drafted. No players in the NBA. It became a summer of boredom. But now the Illini are a team that is talked about frequently on draft night and around the NBA free agent and summer trade circus.

On Tuesday night, Keaton Wagler will hear his name called in the first 10 picks. Reports have long linked him to the #5 pick and the LA Clippers where he is a seamless fit. If the Clippers pass on him or trade the pick, it is possible he could slide as low as 10, but the belief is that he will be gone before then.

The Clippers appear to have passed on trade propositions and re looking to add a guard with the 5 pick and that leaves Wagler and Darius Acuff as the two most likely selections. Acuff doesn’t look like a guy that can play alongside Darius Garland, but Wagler would have a year to develop and play off the ball while developing as a lead guard and becoming the lead guard for the Clippers. His choice to take on Kingston Flemings in a head to head workout, and out perform the fellow lottery pick, may have pushed him across the finish line here.

We talked to Logan Wagler about the process and what it has been like for their family.

Kasparas Jakucionis found his opportunity to move into a starting role and develop into a bigger piece of the rotation in Milwaukee. The Bucks need guard help and although he will be a part of the rebuild there, it’s an opportunity for him to take on a bigger role and earn a big contract when he hits free agency in a couple of years.

Speaking of big contracts, reports suggest that Ayo Dosunmu has agreed to a 5 year, $112 million contract to stay with the Minnesota Timberwolves. His postseason explosion made him a priority for the Timberwolves to keep and pair with Anthony Edwards in what is a dynamic backcourt for a team trying to contend for a title in 2027.

Kylan Boswell has had some great workouts and appears to be in the mix for the mid to late 2nd round. The second round is a bit of a crapshoot and it’s hard to know exactly what teams are thinking, but he should get a summer league opportunity at the worst.

We will be live tonight on the IlliniGuys YouTube page to discuss the draft and breakdown each pick. Should be fun and we hope you can join us.