Good morning, Illini Nation! The NBA draft buzz is heating up, and we've got a fresh post-combine mock draft update that's sure to get your heart racing.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman just released the first post-combine NBA mock draft we've seen this week, and it's great news for Illinois basketball fans. Two Fighting Illini guards made the cut—though they're projected to land in very different spots on draft night.

Let's start with the big news: Keaton Wagler is climbing the boards. In a major shakeup, Wasserman now has Wagler going No. 7 overall to the Sacramento Kings. That's a huge leap and puts him firmly in lottery territory. Wasserman's take? "Keaton Wagler figures to be highly attractive in the No. 5-9 range with his crafty creation, special shotmaking, high IQ and adaptable game. In Sacramento, Wagler could earn immediate reps as a lead guard." That's the kind of praise that gets scouts—and fans—excited.

Meanwhile, Kylan Boswell is holding steady in the second round. Wasserman projects him at No. 58 to the New Orleans Pelicans, comparing his game to former 14-year NBA veteran Cory Joseph. Wasserman notes that Boswell "makes smart decisions and adds a sense of leadership"—two traits that go beyond raw stats and could be the difference-maker when teams are looking for a steady presence off the bench.

Notably absent from this mock? Andrej Stojakovic. The potential Illini senior is still committed to the pre-draft process, but there's a real chance he returns to Champaign for one more season. For Illinois fans, that's a storyline worth watching closely.

We also caught wind of Wagler's rising stock on SacTown Sports 1140 AM earlier this week, where the "Matt & Kayla Show" gave us plenty to talk about. With the draft just around the corner, it's shaping up to be an exciting summer for Illini basketball. Stay tuned, and as always—wear your orange with pride.