Is DJ Wagner Back for Kentucky Basketball? Who is DJ Wagner?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Feb 07, 2024
Is DJ Wagner Back for Kentucky Basketball?
As of the recent game against Vanderbilt, freshman guard D.J. Wagner remained sidelined for the Kentucky Wildcats due to an ongoing ankle injury. Wagner has been absent for the team's last three games and a total of four games this season. His absence has been notably felt by the team, as he is recognized for his leadership on and off the court. The Wildcats managed a convincing 109-77 road victory against Vanderbilt, showcasing the team's resilience despite missing key players, including Wagner.
Kentucky head coach John Calipari expressed optimism about the team's future, suggesting that they could be at full strength within a couple of weeks. The Wildcats have faced challenges throughout the season with various players, including Wagner and fifth-year forward Tre Mitchell, being unavailable for games. Despite these setbacks, the team has demonstrated its depth and potential, with hopes high for a complete roster in the near future.
Who is DJ Wagner?
DJ Wagner is a prominent American college basketball player currently contributing to the Kentucky Wildcats in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His basketball pedigree is noteworthy as he is the son of former professional basketball player Dajuan Wagner and the grandson of another accomplished professional player, Milt Wagner. With such a rich family history in the sport, D.J. Wagner carries a legacy into his own career on the court.
Wagner gained national attention as a consensus five-star recruit, showcasing his exceptional skills and talent on the basketball court. As one of the top players in the 2023 class, he entered the college basketball scene with high expectations, aiming to make a significant impact for the Kentucky Wildcats in the competitive SEC. His lineage, combined with his individual prowess, positions D.J. Wagner as a promising and influential figure in the world of college basketball.
Name
Position
Point guard/shooting guard
League
Southeastern Conference
Team
Kentucky Wildcats
Jersey No.
21
Born
May 4, 2005
Born Place
East Greenwich, New Jersey, U.S.
Age
18
Listed height
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight
192 lb (87 kg)
High school
Camden (Camden, New Jersey)
College
Kentucky (2023–present)
Dajuan Marquett Wagner Jr.
DJ Wagner Career
D.J. Wagner's basketball journey began gaining national recognition even before his freshman season at Camden High School. During the summer preceding his high school debut, Wagner was distinguished as one of only three class of 2023 prospects invited to the USA Basketball July mini-camp in Colorado Springs.
He continued to impress with a second invitation to another USA Basketball event months later. Making his high school debut on December 20, 2019, in a game that drew a capacity crowd, Wagner showcased his scoring ability by putting up 15 points despite early shooting challenges.
Under the guidance of former NBA player Rick Brunson, Wagner played a pivotal role in leading Camden to an impressive 25 consecutive victories before the premature end of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wagner's standout freshman performance, averaging 18.5 points, earned him MaxPreps Freshman All-American honors.
His achievements continued, as he became the first third-generation McDonald's All-American on January 24, 2023, following in the footsteps of his father Dajuan and grandfather Milt.
As he progressed through his high school career, Wagner maintained his stellar performance. During his junior year, he contributed significantly with averages of 19.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 steals per game, leading Camden to the NJSIAA Group 2 state championship. In his senior year, Wagner elevated his game further, averaging 22.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, guiding his team to an impressive 23–2 record.
Wagner's success extended to the recruiting scene, where he emerged as a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 class. Despite a slight shift in his ranking during his junior season, Wagner committed to playing college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats on November 14, 2022, choosing them over an offer from Louisville. His high school career is marked by individual accolades, team success, and a commitment to continue his basketball journey at the collegiate level.
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DJ Wagner Family
DJ Wagner comes from a distinguished basketball lineage, being the son of Dajuan Wagner and Syreeta Brittingham. His father, Dajuan Wagner, was a notable basketball figure who was selected as the 6th pick in the 2002 NBA draft, showcasing the family's basketball prowess at the professional level. Dajuan's achievements in the NBA undoubtedly laid a foundation for DJ Wagner's early exposure to the sport.
Adding another layer to his basketball heritage, DJ Wagner's grandfather is Milt Wagner, a former professional player who was a second-round pick in the 1986 NBA draft. The Wagner family's deep-rooted connection to the NBA spans multiple generations, creating a legacy of excellence within the basketball community. With such a remarkable family history, DJ Wagner aims to etch his name in the record books by becoming the first-ever third-generation NBA player, further solidifying the Wagner family's impact on the sport.
DJ Wagner Girlfriend
As of now, there is no publicly disclosed data regarding the relationship status of DJ Wagner Jr. The basketball prodigy has managed to keep his personal life, including any romantic relationships, away from the public eye. At this point, it appears that DJ Wagner Jr. may be single, as there have been no reports or details about a current girlfriend or romantic involvement.
Wagner's focus seems to be predominantly on his burgeoning basketball career and personal development. With details about his private life remaining undisclosed, fans and the public alike await any potential updates on DJ Wagner Jr.'s relationship status. As he continues to make strides in the basketball world, his personal life remains a private matter, and any developments in this aspect have yet to be discovered or made public.
DJ Wagner Net Worth
In 2023, DJ Wagner Jr. secured a groundbreaking NIL deal valued at an impressive $561,000 annually, positioning him at the 15th spot in college basketball's NIL rankings. This significant contract shows his basketball prowess and marketability, allowing him to earn substantial income while still playing college hoops.
Wagner inked endorsements with Marathon, Lex Exotics, and WME Sports, establishing himself not only as a standout player on the court but also as a formidable brand with lucrative partnerships. While his exact net worth hasn't been disclosed publicly, the DJ Wagner Jr. NIL Deal and various endorsements undoubtedly contribute significantly to his financial landscape, showcasing the lucrative potential of NIL agreements for talented athletes.
DJ Wagner Jr. has rapidly become a sought-after figure in the endorsement world, securing deals with major brands like Marathon, Lex Exotics, and WME Sports. Even before his college commitment, he landed two lucrative NIL deals with Nike, highlighting his star power in the industry. Nike's endorsement of Wagner, alongside other basketball talents, underscores his exceptional standing in the sport, and being the only high school athlete signed by Nike alongside Juju Watkins emphasizes his elite status.
Wagner's strategic choices, including committing to the Nike-backed Kentucky Wildcats, further solidify his ties with the brand, showcasing his thoughtful approach to endorsements. With a substantial NIL valuation, endorsements, and a growing social media following DJ Wagner Jr.'s net worth is poised to see significant growth, promising a lucrative and influential future for the rising basketball star.
Is DJ Wagner Back for Kentucky Basketball - FAQs
As of the latest information available, DJ Wagner has been sidelined due to an ankle injury and has not been actively playing in recent games for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Wagner has missed the last three games for Kentucky due to an ankle injury. The absence has impacted the team's performance, but there are indications from the coach that he may return within a couple of weeks.
The team has experienced challenges in games without DJ Wagner, resulting in a 1-3 record when he hasn't played this season. Wagner's leadership, on-court presence, and scoring ability have been missed by the Wildcats.
Coach John Calipari has hinted at a potential return for DJ Wagner within a couple of weeks. However, specific timelines for his comeback have not been officially disclosed.
Despite missing Wagner, the team has showcased depth and resilience, securing a significant road win at Vanderbilt. Freshman guard Reed Sheppard has been starting in Wagner's place, contributing to the team's performance during his absence.