CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois guard Keaton Wagler was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive week and the third time this season, the conference announced Monday.
Wagler led the Fighting Illini to two wins during the week of Jan. 5–11, averaging a team-high 18 points, along with six rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. His performance highlighted Illinois’ continued success in Big Ten play.
The Shawnee, Kansas native scored a game-high 19 points while adding five rebounds and four assists in Illinois’ Quad 1 road win at No. 19 Iowa. He followed that effort with 17 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in a home victory over Rutgers.
Wagler shot 47.6% from the field on the week, including 45.5% from three-point range, and 84.6% at the free-throw line. He has now scored in double figures in eight consecutive games, a streak that includes all five of Illinois’ Big Ten contests this season.
The honor marks the fifth time in nine selections this year that an Illinois player has earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week recognition. Teammate David Mirkovic previously won the award twice before Wagler’s three selections.
Winners of five straight games, Wagler and the No. 13 Fighting Illini will look to keep their momentum going Wednesday night at Northwestern, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. CT.