CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois guard Keaton Wagler has earned Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week honors after a standout stretch that helped power the Fighting Illini to three straight wins.
The Big Ten Conference announced Monday that Wagler, a freshman from Shawnee, Kansas, will share the weekly award with Washington’s Hannes Steinbach. The honor recognizes performances from December 22 through January 4.
Over the two-week span, Wagler averaged 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting efficiently from all areas of the floor. He connected on 53.6% of his field goal attempts, knocked down 46.7% from three-point range, and shot 80% from the free throw line.
One of Wagler’s most impressive outings came in the annual Braggin’ Rights matchup against Missouri, where he scored a game-high 22 points in a 43-point Illinois victory—the largest margin of victory in the rivalry’s history. He added eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals while making a career-high five three-pointers on six attempts.
Wagler also recorded his second career double-double in a win over Southern, finishing with 11 points and a career-high tying 10 assists, along with seven rebounds and two steals. In a road win against Penn State at The Palestra, Wagler scored 16 points with three rebounds and three assists, posting a game-high plus-17 rating despite limited minutes due to foul trouble.
This marks the fourth time in the first eight Big Ten Freshman of the Week selections this season that an Illinois player has received the honor. Wagler now owns two of those awards, matching teammate David Mirkovic, who has also been recognized twice.
The No. 16 Fighting Illini return to action Thursday night, hosting Rutgers at State Farm Center. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with tickets available through FightingIllini.com.
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