He will always be family first. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. He plays in constant attack mode, accelerates right at his defender while mixing in some shake and shiftiness, scores around the rim with both hands, and is a legitimate threat to create his own shot at all three-levels. Verbal Commits - Nick Wagner Player Profile: Rankings, Stars, Video Highlights, Offers, Tweets, Height, Weight, High School, Position, Hometown He also tends to be stuck in first ear and needs to learn when to slow down and pick his spots. AJ Johnson is a 4-star point guard from Woodland Hills, CA. (0:27). Kentucky landed another huge commitment from the Class of 2023 on Monday, when five-star guard DJ Wagner committed to the Wildcats. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound Sheppard is now ranked 21st overall and fourth among shooting guards in the Class of 2023. He can rebound defensively and then push the ball up the floor as well as anyone in the class. Wagner, along with his potential NIL deal, could help shape the future of college basketball. The only question for Camden remains the head coach. SG. He puts a lot of pressure on the defense with his speed to score and his vision to make the assist. DJ Wagner is a 6-foot-2 combination guard out of Camden (N.J.) High that ranks as the No. Which school should have the edge? Help support local journalism with a subscription. Bradshaw ran the floor, finished at the rim, and blocked shots. Once the summer AAU events began, John Calipari attended several of Sheppards games before eventually offering a scholarship to the son of former Kentucky stars Jeff Sheppard and Stacey Reed. Milt Wagner, Wagner's grandfather, served on Calipari's staff at Memphis from 2000 through 2006 in basketball operations. All Rights Reserved. 2 ranked class also features five players who range between No. When it comes time to pick a college, Sheppard has said he wants to go, Somewhere that feels like family, feels like home. With Wagner's father being a former first round draft pick, he has been a major part in DJ's game and recruitment. 79 to no. Wagner is considered the No. "If you can play free-flowing, unpredictable basketball, and have some principles to it, you're going to keep the defense off-balance," Payne said earlier this year. KP, Nolan Smith, and Danny Manning have all recruited and developed top tier talent and they intend to do more of the same at Louisville. "I'm real comfortable with my decision. 2. 1 in the 247Sports Composite. My father definitely helps me a lot because he's been through the whole process in high school, through college, and the NBA, he continued. That is not the case with Louisville. He is arguably the best shot blocker in the class and moves as well as any 7-footer that Ive seen. 1 prospect D.J. Wagner is considered the No. Odds & lines subject to change. 6-0 / That said, Bradshaw is a unique talent who, I believe, would really flourish under Kenny Payne and Danny Manning. That leads me what impressed me most about Wagner his grit. Caleb has received an offer from @MsideFootball. With Wagner's father being a former first round draft pick, he has been a major part in DJs game and recruitment. 6-6 / 4 overall. 205, OT / Bradshaw is long and rangy at 7 210-pounds. I want to be athletic. 240. 175, SG / Jessica Suzanne Wagner, 44. Will it be Kentucky or Louisville that lands one of basketball's brightest young stars? Bradshaws biggest flaw is, as for most 7-foot prospects, his lack of strength. And that meant so much to me. Wagner, a 5-star recruit and the consensus number 1 ranked player in the 2023 class, is a 6 3 combo guard who does it all. 26 in the rankings. That, seemingly, would make his fit with the program go seamlessly, especially given his familiarity and comfort level with the school that dates back far longer than Kentucky. Payne bringing Milt Wagner aboard isn't their only connection, though; they played together at Louisville in the 1980s and were on the same 1986 NCAA championship team together. 1 in the 247Sports Composite. As a high school junior last season, Wagner averaged 19.8 points and led Camden to a New Jersey state championship. It could also be just a recruiting ploy, but either way, I'm filing this away in the category of "interesting and possibly noteworthy.". Lived In Provo UT, Lincoln CA, Othello WA, Roseville CA . He is, outside of Johnson, the only player in the 2023 class to hold a Louisville offer (from Kenny Payne). While those names may spearhead how the future looks, Wagner is going to be impactful for the high-profile names that follow him. 6-6 / As of right now Im considering everyone and enjoying the process., Kentucky: It was good, we had a nice conversation and I love Kentucky especially with family ties and things like that. Impressive player. 6-7 / Sign me up for this projected path today! While it's still very early in Wagner's recruitment he is open to all options as he continues to focus on his game and high school/AAU season. Tyler Ulis. When Wagner arrives in Lexington on Friday, it will be at least the third time he's visited UK. One that will live and grow with more information and new features to keep up with the ever changing basketball landscape. This marks only the third time in the last 10 years where one school has landed four top-10 prospects in the same class: Kentucky in 2013, which had five of the top nine, and Duke in 2017. 200, PF / * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). There are a number of things at play from on-court fit to off-court fit, familial connections to, well, more familial connections. Wagner joins a Kentucky class that now includes four of the top eight prospects in the 2023 class, with Justin Edwards (No. Josh Friedman has produced award-winning South Jersey sports coverage for the Courier Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times for more than a decade. Wagner is also the fourth No. There are not two better big-man coaches in college basketball and, under their tutelage, Bradshaw could be the top NBA draft pick in 2024. 1 overall recruit, a distinction the 6-foot-2, 160-pound point guard also holds at ESPN and 247 Sports. Dont expect it to happen, but interesting nonetheless. Your email address will not be published. NA NA NA. Coach John Calipari was always straightforward and honest with me. 6 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. 1 ranked 2023 recruiting class. He's also an elite competitor who plays hard, has a way of raising the level of those around him, and doesn't get enough credit for bringing a similar mindset to the defensive end of the floor. Tom Jurich could have had a statue; Now he should just hope for respect, Louisville basketball: The stories that made the 2013 season legendary. 220, SF / 176, PF / Wagner was not only able to play through the contact but seemed to enjoy it. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Verbal Commits | Dawson Wagner Player Profile, Highlights, Offers, Twitter Dawson Wagner Leave Feedback See something wrong with Dawson Wagner's profile? The long-awaited commitment of DJ Wagner for the Kentucky men's basketball program on Monday has solidified UK's 2023 recruiting class among the all-time greats. In theory, the move should have given first-year coach Kenny Payne a leg up on Calipari in the recruiting process. I'm a college basketball fan and I love watching March Madness.. 4/27/2021, Commit Ive never seem him so jovial and excited as he was talking to his former teammates and friends. 210, SF / While Justin Edwards is the highest-rated recruit joining the Cats next season, slightly edging DJ Wagner, the latter is arguably the biggest name entering college basketball next season. I thought I might get to see Xavier Booker this weekend but his family informed me that he was at the Team USA U18 Camp unfortunately, he did not make the final roster. This upcoming class will be among the best head coach John Calipari has had in Lexington. Zaire Williams Eagle Academy For Young Men (Bronx, NY) 6-3 / 180. Kentucky also got another prediction to land Sheppard recently. The Camden High School senior, ESPN's No. He also sent both fanbases into a frenzy by signing with and appearing in an ad campaign for Nike sub-label NOCTA, a collaboration with rapper (and noted Wildcats fan) Drake. -- with Drake's Nike sub-label NOCTA, potentially paving the way for him to rock the Kentucky superfan's gear while playing for the Nike school. Camden High School football wins first sectional championship in 46 years, stepped down in June so he could take a position with the New York Knicks, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 6-2 / AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. "This was an extremely difficult decision that I went back-and-forth with for a long time. Even with Milt Wagner's presence at Louisville, the gravitational pull to UK -- which offers a bigger platform and a chance to play for a Hall of Famer -- might be too much for the Cardinals to overcome. 6-9 / 185, C / Milt Wagner also attended all of his grandsons game after he was hired the week before as Louisvilles Director of Player Development and Alumni Relations. SCNext Top 25: Ranking the best high school boys' basketball teams in the 2022-23 season, Hoops hotbed Camden is ready for No. 5-10 / It was very exciting, and it was pretty cool to actually see them in person as they stood up there but I just came with the same approach of playing to win and staying prepared, he said. If the Wildcats finish the cycle at the top -- and Wagner's pledge likely seals that -- it will be the seventh time since Calipari took over in Lexington that Kentucky has the top-ranked recruiting class. Wagner, the two-time Gatorade New Jersey and Courier Post Player of the Year, averaged 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 3.1 assists last season as he led Camden to its first state title since 2000 and a runner-up finish in the Tournament of Champions. It's a really nice school. 8) rounding out the quartet. https://t.co/9m9dzUO5EL 34d Prep Redzone Nebraska Huge offer for @FHS_tigerfb OL Caleb Wagner! "My older brother Kareem is on the team," he said. 6-7 / All rights reserved. pic.twitter.com/xROBjCgbfA. Wagner's commitment gives John Calipari and Kentucky the No. There was also a Rivals FutureCast pick logged this week by recruiting analyst Russ Wood in favor of the Wildcats, who now hold both predictions at Rivals, as well as all eight picks at 247 Sports, which has him ranked 62nd overall. 5 prospect in the country, per ESPN. section: | slug: kentucky-basketball-recruiting-dj-wagner-commits-to-wildcats-giving-them-no-1-ranked-class-over-duke | sport: collegebasketball | route: article_single.us | 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Wagner Football Names Captains for 2018 Season. 5) and Robert Dillingham (No. 11/4/2021. 8) already in the fold. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. SG / Reach recruiting and trending sports reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @brooksHolton. 1-ranked high school senior, announced his commitment to Kentucky on Monday, choosing the Wildcats over Louisville. Verbal Commits - Sebastian Wagner Player Profile: Rankings, Stars, Video Highlights, Offers, Tweets, Height, Weight, High School, Position, Hometown Which means his decision could come at any time. 6-7 / "My grandfather was always my grandfather throughout the process. He joins small forward Justin Edwards (No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2023 in . Wagner's partnership with Nike may lead many to believe his spot in UK's loaded 2023 class is all but cemented, but former U of L Associate Athletic Director Matt Banker told the Courier Journal in July the guard could still pursue those endorsement opportunities independently if he were to sign with the Cardinals. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Kentucky now has five commitments. 210, SF / San Francisco, California, United States. All-Time Commits View All But his grandfather, Milt Wagner, starred for Louisville in the early 1980s under Denny Crum. New assistant coach Orlando Antigua was the primary coach in contact with Sheppard once recruiting restrictions with 2023 prospects were lifted in June. Kentucky is the current favorite and Louisville basketball has ground to make up but, with Kenny Payne and Danny Manning, Louisville is a serious contender. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. "That made a huge difference. Thats how he found his name on the list of the top 20 most important figures in college basketball for the next 20 years. He chose Kentucky over Louisville and many others.. With Wagner's commitment, Kentucky leaps Duke for the No. Johnson recently received an offer from Louisville one of only three players to hold an offer from Kenny Payne and his staff. "Winning comes first with me and I want to help Kentucky win as much as possible. Louisville basketball needs guards but whos available? Expect Louisville to be a serious contender. Tweets about Caleb Wagner Caleb Wagner becomes the third former Tiger to commit to the Mustangs in the last two years. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. 1 overall recruit, a distinction the 6-foot-2, 160-pound point guard also holds at ESPN and 247 Sports. A 6-foot-3 guard from Camden High School (New Jersey), Wagner has been considered the best prospect in the 2023 class since early in his high school career. He made a nice string of plays late in the game, but, ultimately, he struggled. A Sea of Blue comes loaded with Kentucky Wildcats links, news, analysis, and some other fun stuff, so like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. 6-6 / The Camden High School senior, ESPNs No. 6-7 / Kenny Payne and the Louisville basketball staff are off and running in their recruitment of top talent in the 2023 class. 185, PF / With Wagner's commitment, Kentucky leapsDuke for the No. 6-5 / Bookers recruitment has blown up this summer based on his performances for George Hill All Indy on the NY2LA Circuit. He is the younger brother of Jalen Green, the number 2 pick in the 2021 NBA draft and contender for NBA ROY. 6-3 / Wagner Football Travels To Montana State On Saturday. 6-9 / * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). I want to be fast. When I watched him coach I could feel the intensity, how he disciplines his team and how he breaks it down. The MVP of the game though was Aaron Bradshaw. Wagner, a 6-foot-3 combo guard from South . Louisvilles prodigal son, Pervis Ellison, the director of the New Jersey Scholars program, was also on hand. Tyrese Maxey. ", Kentucky basketball recruiting:Top 2023 prospects DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw to visit Big Blue Madness: Report. 200, PF / Feb 11 MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: A message from @JUCOadvocate New look, new functionality. thestateoflou@gmail.com www.stateoflouisville.com, Four class of 2023 recruits to know for Louisville basketball, on Four class of 2023 recruits to know for Louisville basketball. wagner verbal commits. Philadelphia, Pa. -- The number one player in the class of 2023, DJ Wagnerhad a big showing on day two of the Philly Live period with tons of college coaches in attendance. DJ Wagner is headed to Kentucky. 6-6 / 240. Dont expect it to happen, but interesting nonetheless. The sport has had its share of early success stories Oscar Tshiebwe has done quite nicely for himself but NIL started when college hoops lacked a high-profile recruit to capture the market, The Athletics Dana ONeil wrote. Verbal Commits - Camp Wagner Player Profile: Rankings, Stars, Video Highlights, Offers, Tweets, Height, Weight, High School, Position, Hometown It goes without saying that DJ Wagner is Louisville's top target in the 2023 class. Villanova: It was a pretty good visit and I liked it. 195, SF / D.J. The Kentucky Wildcats . Bradshaw is the No. 3:01 pm ET. The Camden High School star was one of three rising seniors to sign name, image and likeness deals with the Oregon-based company, joining LeBron James's son, Bronny, and coveted women's hoops prospect JuJu Watkins. section: | slug: dj-wagner-recruitment-is-kentucky-or-louisville-the-best-fit-for-the-no-1-prospect-in-the-class-of-2023 | sport: collegebasketball | route: article_single.us | Wagner is a 6-foot-3 combo guard from Camden, New Jersey, who has long been regarded as one of the top players of the 2023 cycle. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2) and Robert Dillingham (Overtime Elite, Atlanta; No. The reasoning why is pretty clear, and it is because Wagner will trailblaze the path for massive NIL deals. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. In a statement upon his hiring at Louisville, Milt Wagner called Payne his "brother" and said Louisville is his "second home." Wagner was a sensation from the start, helping to lead the . I watched Wagner and his team, the New Jersey Scholars, play five times over the weekend and he did not disappoint. He was consistently knocked off his spot and struggled to adjust. ", "The atmosphere at Kentucky is unbelievable," he added. 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Ranked 21st overall and fourth among shooting guards in the 2023 class, with Justin Edwards No!, `` the atmosphere at Kentucky is unbelievable, '' he added ever changing landscape... Basketball 's brightest young stars up this summer based on his performances for Hill. Be among the best head coach John Calipari has had in Lexington basketball staff off! Team, the only question for Camden remains the head coach John Calipari has had in Lexington Robert Dillingham Overtime! '' he added Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019 the NY2LA.! Is because Wagner will trailblaze the path for massive NIL deals at the rim, it... At play from on-court fit to off-court fit, familial connections to, well more. ( Overtime Elite, Atlanta ; No the path for massive NIL.... This upcoming class will be at least the third time he 's visited UK future,... / that said, Bradshaw is a 4-star point guard also holds at ESPN 247! Cbs Interactive names may spearhead how the future wagner verbal commits college basketball ; No. At play from on-court fit to off-court fit, familial connections program was! Class that now includes four of the top 20 most important figures in basketball... Green, the move should have given first-year coach Kenny Payne and Danny.! Bookers recruitment has blown up this summer wagner verbal commits on his performances for George Hill All Indy the... To acknowledge that you would like to subscribe: article_single.us | 2004-2023 CBS Interactive nice string of late...