The 6-foot-4, 180-pound senior guard and forward averaged 22.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game this past season, leading the Panthers to a 23-2 record. Wagner also produced 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. A McDonald’s All-American Game selection, he will represent Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit in April. He’s ranked as the nation’s No. 2 recruit in the Class of 2023 by ESPN.com
DaJuan Wagner Jr. - also known as DJ Wagner - is the ultimate competitor on both ends of the floor and has clear one-and-done potential. The Kentucky guard was the top high school player in his class during his senior season and will have a real shot at going early in the lottery of the 2024 NBA Draft.
A versatile scoring threat, Wagner can also elevate those around him. He’s a vicious attacker offensively, leveraging his elite speed and crafty handle. He also has great body control and can change speeds with ease while also having the ability to stop on a dime to pull up or change directions. Wagner finishes well with both hands at the rim and should be an efficient paint scorer moving forward.
Although he’s a smaller guard relative to the modern game, the Kentucky prospect is still great at creating for himself and is a natural scorer. He’s a smart offensive player despite taking some very advanced shots that aren’t always needed. He’s comfortable scoring from all levels, but could improve has a 3-point shooter. Wagner isn’t a bad shooter as of today - and his mechanics look good - but if he’s going to really make his case to be a top pick the jumper needs to get better. The numbers will look better this season if he’s able to ensure he generates looks in rhythm.
The interesting thing about Wagner is that he’s more of a natural off-ball guard, but is best with the ball in his hands. This will make things interesting moving forward as we see his fit in certain systems and lineups next to more traditional point guards.
A five-star recruit, Wagner has been one of the best players in his age group for a long time. He was coached at Camden in high school by Rick Brunson and competed in all of the high level events leading up to the college jump. His father, Dajuan Wagner, was the No. 6 overall pick in 2002 NBA Draft and his grandfather, Milt Wagner, played in the NBA before him. As such, DJ Wagner has the chance at being a third-generation NBA player, which would make him the first to ever do so.
This season at Kentucky, Wagner will have the chance to play alongside other future NBA talents in Justin Edwards, Aaron Bradshaw and Robert Dillingham among others.