CHAMPAIGN — Illinois guard Keaton Wagler was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday after a standout performance in a pair of conference games, the league office announced.
The Shawnee, Kansas, native averaged 21 points and 7.5 assists during the week of Dec. 8–14, leading the Fighting Illini to key victories while shooting efficiently from all areas of the floor. Wagler connected on 50% of his field-goal attempts, hit 54% from 3-point range and shot 92% from the free-throw line.
Wagler delivered his best performance in a road win at Ohio State, scoring a career- and team-high 23 points while adding five assists. He followed that effort with a points-assists double-double against No. 23 Nebraska, finishing with 19 points and a career- and game-high 10 assists.
The freshman also showed his shooting touch from beyond the arc, making seven 3-pointers on the week, including three against the Buckeyes and a career-high four versus the Cornhuskers.
Wagler’s honor marks the third time in the first six weeks of the season that an Illinois player has earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week recognition. Forward David Mirkovic previously received the award twice.
The No. 18 Fighting Illini return to action Monday, Dec. 22, when they face Missouri in the annual McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights Game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.