It wasn’t too long ago that D.J. Wagner was projected as a first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. The pressure these athletes experience to make the jump to the pros is overwhelming at times. Is it fair to say that Wagner’s, current body of work was definitely subpar. Prompting questions about his readiness for the NBA.

The 6’4″ 192 pounds, Wagner’s freshman season statistics across 29 games failed to capture attention. Particularly concerning were his average of 6.4 points per game over the last 11 games of the season. His shooting percentages, while not bad, leave room for improvement, with 76% from the free-throw line (49-64), 47% from 2-point range (77-163), and 29% from beyond the arc (28-96).

Kentucky has experimented with various lineups, with the most effective configuration featuring Wagner alongside key players such as Reed Sheppard, Robert Dillingham, Antonio Reeves, and Trey Mitchell, occasionally supplemented by one of the team’s 7-foot centers.

DJ’s youth presents a wealth of potential for growth across various areas of his game. A return offers him a valuable chance to elevate his game, particularly with the highly talented class of 2025 on the horizon. While one NBA scout projects DJ to land between the 30-45 range in the second round, the possibility of exceeding expectations looms large with impressive workout performances

Overall observation: Wagner isn’t a bad shooter — and his mechanics look good. But if he’s going to really make his case, I personally believe he needs to return one more year to improve on different areas of his game; and his jumper needs to get better. Consistency and experience are paramount at this stage of his development.

It could prove instrumental in securing a more favorable draft position and establishing a solid foundation for his professional career in the NBA.