When Keaton Wagler stepped onto the court for Illinois this past season, he wasn't just another freshman finding his way—he was a rising star with a veteran's composure. For 30 games, from the season opener against Jackson State in early November to the bright lights of the Final Four in early April, Wagler shared the Illini backcourt with Kylan Boswell. And what a ride it was.

By the end of the 2025-26 season, Wagler had cemented himself as Illinois' go-to player. His breakout performance earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and a consensus spot on the Second Team All-American list. But behind every standout freshman, there's often a seasoned teammate offering guidance, and for Wagler, that was Boswell.

During his media availability at the NBA draft combine in Chicago on Wednesday, Wagler opened up about the impact Boswell had on his game and his life. "He helped me grow as a player and even just as a person outside of basketball," the one-and-done Illini shared. "He taught me a lot of things, and I learned from his experiences that he had. Him being open to taking me under his wing and teach me is something not a lot of people would do. Him being willing to give me the ball and let me have the ball in my hands when it's his last year in college says a lot about him."

It's a testament to the power of teamwork and mentorship—qualities that define not just championship teams, but the spirit of the game itself. Whether you're hitting the court or hitting the gym, having the right support system can make all the difference. And for Illini Nation, watching this duo's journey was a reminder of how basketball builds bonds that last far beyond the final buzzer.