Keaton Wagler (No. 5 pick, LA Clippers): headlines the Illini contingent as the highest-drafted Illini since Deron Williams (No. 3, 2005). He'll be the focal point of the Clippers' Summer League squad after the trade of Kawhi Leonard opened the door for a significant rookie role.
Kasparas Jakucionis (Milwaukee Bucks): — the No. 20 pick in 2025 — was traded from Miami to Milwaukee in the Giannis blockbuster and will have more opportunity to run an offense in Summer League after a solid rookie season (6.2 PPG, 42.3% from three).
Will Riley (Washington Wizards): — the No. 21 pick in 2025 — averaged 15.6 points per game over the final 35 games of his rookie season and looks to build on that momentum alongside No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa.
Morez Johnson Jr. (Dallas Mavericks): — selected No. 9 overall in 2026 after an All-Big Ten season at Michigan that ended with a national championship — reunites with former coach Dusty May.
Kylan Boswell (Charlotte Hornets): signed a two-way contract after going undrafted and will aim to earn a roster spot with steady ball-handling and defensive versatility.
Why this matters:: Illinois' rise as an NBA talent pipeline reflects Brad Underwood's elite recruiting and player development, giving the program a sustained presence in professional basketball not seen since the 2000s.
Illinois basketball has undergone a remarkable transformation. Between 2007 and 2021, the program produced only one NBA draft pick (Meyers Leonard, No. 11 in 2012). Fast forward to 2026, and the Illini have had five draft picks in six years, with four first-round selections in the last three drafts alone. This summer's Las Vegas NBA Summer League showcases that depth.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Keaton Wagler went from a three-star recruit at Shawnee Mission Northwest (Kansas) to Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a Final Four run with Illinois. He now joins the LA Clippers, who recently traded Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors, signaling a youth movement. Wagler will face off against fellow top-10 pick Darius Acuff Jr. (Kings, No. 7) on July 9 in a marquee opening matchup broadcast on ESPN.
Kasparas Jakucionis: (Bucks) — After being part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, the Lithuanian guard will have more playmaking freedom in Milwaukee. He shot 42.3% from three as a rookie.
Will Riley: (Wizards) — The 6-foot-9 wing exploded for 15.6 PPG in the second half of his rookie season and will compete for touches alongside No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa.
Morez Johnson Jr.: (Mavericks) — The No. 9 pick in 2026 brings a national championship pedigree and elite defensive versatility to Dallas.
Several former Illini are on Exhibit 10 or two-way contracts, battling for NBA futures:
Ben Humrichous: (Nets) — Had 15 points and 8 rebounds in the California Classic.
Coleman Hawkins: (Nuggets) — Averaged 6.7 assists per game in the G League, a perfect fit for Denver's Jokic-led system.
Justin Harmon: (Jazz) — Scored 15 points on 7-for-8 shooting in his Summer League debut.
Luke Goode: (Lakers) — Shot 3-for-5 from three against the Spurs in the California Classic.
Tre White: (Heat) — Scored 16 points in his California Classic debut after a strong senior season at Kansas.
How many former Illini are playing in NBA Summer League 2026?
At least 12 former Illinois players are participating, including Keaton Wagler (Clippers), Kasparas Jakucionis (Bucks), Will Riley (Wizards), Kylan Boswell (Hornets), Ben Humrichous (Nets), Coleman Hawkins (Nuggets), Justin Harmon (Jazz), Morez Johnson Jr. (Mavericks), Dain Dainja (Nets), Luke Goode (Lakers), Tre White (Heat), and RJ Melendez (Spurs).
When and where is NBA Summer League 2026?
All 30 NBA teams are in action in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 9 to July 19. Preliminary events were held in California (California Classic) and Utah (Salt Lake City Summer League).
How can I watch Keaton Wagler's Summer League debut?
Wagler and the LA Clippers face the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, July 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT) on ESPN. The game is at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Which former Illini have the best chance of making an NBA roster?
Keaton Wagler (guaranteed first-round contract), Kasparas Jakucionis, and Will Riley are already on NBA rosters. Kylan Boswell has a two-way contract with Charlotte, while Ben Humrichous and Coleman Hawkins signed Exhibit 10 deals that could lead to training camp invites.
For Illini fans:: This is the golden era of Illinois basketball's NBA presence. Watch Keaton Wagler's debut on ESPN (July 9) and follow the Summer League schedule to see a dozen former Illini compete.
For NBA scouts and fans:: Keaton Wagler (Clippers), Will Riley (Wizards), and Morez Johnson Jr. (Mavericks) are must-watch prospects who could make immediate impacts in the 2026-27 season.
How to prepare:: Mark your calendars for the key matchups. The Clippers vs. Kings (July 9, ESPN) features Wagler vs. Acuff. The Wizards vs. Jazz (July 9, ESPN) showcases Riley alongside Dybantsa.
Who this affects most:: Illinois basketball recruiting — the program's growing NBA pipeline makes Champaign an increasingly attractive destination for top high school prospects.
Which former Illini are you most excited to watch in NBA Summer League? Will Keaton Wagler live up to his No. 5 overall draft billing? Can Kylan Boswell earn a permanent roster spot in Charlotte?
Share this with other Illini fans who need to stay ahead of Illinois' basketball renaissance!
*Do you think Keaton Wagler can win NBA Rookie of the Year? Let us know your predictions!*
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