21 D.J. Wagner

D.J. Wagner was born May 4, 2005, in Camden, New Jersey, into one of basketball’s most accomplished families. His father, Dajuan Wagner, starred for John Calipari at Memphis before becoming the sixth pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, while his grandfather, Milt Wagner, won a national championship at Louisville. D.J. built his own reputation at Camden High School, leading the Panthers to a state championship and becoming a three-time Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year. Ranked among the nation’s top recruits, he also earned MVP honors at the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game.

Wagner followed the family connection to Calipari by signing with Kentucky and immediately assumed a prominent role in a talented freshman class. He started 28 of his 29 appearances during the 2023–24 season, averaging 9.9 points and 3.3 assists while earning SEC All-Freshman Team recognition and three SEC Freshman of the Week awards. Although injuries disrupted portions of his season, his quickness, ability to attack the basket and willingness to create for teammates made him an important part of one of the nation’s highest-scoring teams.

His most memorable performance came against Marshall, when he scored a career-high 28 points with five assists and three steals. Wagner also delivered 22 points and six assists in an overtime victory over Saint Joseph’s, produced 18 points and a career-best 10 assists against Georgia, and helped Kentucky upset No. 9 North Carolina with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. After entering the transfer portal in April 2024, he reunited with Calipari at Arkansas, where he later helped the Razorbacks reach the 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Following two seasons at Arkansas, Wagner transferred to Maryland for the 2026–27 season.