The ex-Fighting Illini star and Clippers first rounder shared the story behind his recent jersey choice.
Los Angeles Clippers rookie guard Keaton Wagler is forever etched in the minds of Illinois Fighting Illini fans after his team's Final Four run last season.
Wagler and his number 23 jersey became a fixture on the backs of Illini fans and on television screens throughout the state of Illinois as he became the team's scoring, steals and assists leader as a freshman.
On June 23, the Clippers made Wagler the fifth overall pick, a reward for a job well done in college and a chance for the Kansas native to take his game to the next level.
Wagler was understandably excited about the new opportunity, but was also forced to make an unexpected choice as his familiar college number was no longer available.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler after he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Teammate Fosters Jersey Number Switch
Wagler revealed to the NBA's official X account that he was forced to change his number because of Clippers teammate Isaiah Jackson, who was already wearing it.
Wagler, who wore number three at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas, was forced to choose a different number that ended up as a break from tradition.
"I kind of just picked it," Wagler said of his new number one jersey with Los Angeles according to Rookie Wire.
"The jersey number I used to wear wasn't available, so one, I thought was a good number, and it is kind of like new beginnings."
Jackson, a 6-foot-8, 205-pound forward, averaged 6.7 points last season with the Clippers last season and was selected in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft.
Wagler has much higher expectations entering the season, and will do his best to meet and surpass them on a patchwork team in a stacked Western Conference.
From the Frying Pan Into the Fire
Wagler will do his best to conjure up the same magic he brought to the Fighting Illini as a freshman in year one with the Clippers, and it won't be easy.
The former Illinois star will go from the frying pan of Big Ten Conference play to the fire of a grueling NBA season on what should be an overmatched team.
The Clippers' projected starting lineup includes point guard Darius Garland, a fast and talented lead guard, Wagler at the two-spot, talented journeyman Brandon Ingram at small forward, veteran Derrick Jones, Jr. at power forward and fellow veteran Brook Lopez at center.
To say that Wagler is embarking on a new, and difficult, beginning to his basketball career is an understatement.
Wagler, to his credit, is saying all the right things before the season and priming himself for what he knows will be a monumental challenge.
Last year, the former Fighting Illini star walked onto the court every night knowing he had a team more talented, or at least as talented, as the opposition.
In 2026-27, Wagler will be forced to navigate the rigors of an 82-game schedule with a team that few expect to contend for a winning record, let alone a playoff spot.
If Wagler can handle the adversity, opportunities for growth abound.
If not, he could find himself wishing he had stayed in Champaign, Illinois for one more year and wondering if he might have won a national championship while keeping his familiar number 23 jersey in the process.
