Amid Rising Speculations of an Early Transfer, How Has Freshman DJ Wagner Performed This Season

The basketball world is full of ruckus and rumors. The latest grapevine is about DJ Wagner’s purported transfer to Louisville following his unsatisfactory display this season. The freshman had chosen the Kentucky because of his relationship with its coach John Calipari who had also mentored his father Dajuan Wagner. A consensus 5-star recruit for the class of 2023, the 18-year-old committed to the Kentucky over an offer from Louisville. However, Wagner couldn’t match up the expectations during his first four NCAA games and smeared his top NBA prospect title too soon.

Amid such a controversial state of affairs, Wagner’s gameplay has seen its own highs and lows during his short stay at the Kentucky. Here’s a quick recap of his court exploits so far.

Kentucky Wildcats vs New Mexico State Aggies 86-46

The Kentucky Wildcats comprehensively defeated the New Mexico State Aggies in their season opener on November 6. The Wildcats lead by a large margin of 86-46. Wagner was included in the starting five but could only pot 13 points in the 27 minutes he played. He had a meager score of two rebounds and four assists.

Wagner couldn’t stand tall to his name considering there was a lot of hype about him. Being a third-generation basketball player, fans were eagerly awaiting his debut. He lacked the spark that had made him popular, and his fans were disappointed.

Kentucky Wildcats vs Texas A&M-Commerce Lions 81-61

The Wildcats again managed to have an unassailable lead against the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions when they squared off with the latter in their second NCAA game this season. Wagner was again included in the starting five. Although he was given a considerable 32 minutes in the game, the New Jersey-born basketed just 11 points with three assists.

The fans and critics were again let down after they found Wagner lacking in his game. He was the second lowest scorer for his team only next to shooting guard Reed Sheppard. 

Kentucky Wildcats vs Kansas Jayhawks 84-89

The Wildcats locked horns with the Kansas Jayhawks in their third game of the NCAA regular season. Despite putting up a good show, the John Calipari-coached team lost to the Jayhawks by a narrow margin of 84-89.

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Wagner had a scanty field goal percentage of 8.3%, ending the game with 1-for-12 shooting from the field. Wagner could only jolt four points during the 25 minutes he spent on court before going for a nil in the first half of the contest. The spectators though enjoyed the match, felt bad for Wagner and another freshman Justin Edwards since the two top prospect for the NBA only totaled 5 points.

Kentucky Wildcats vs Stonehill College Skyhawks 101-67

The Wildcats battled it out against the Stonehill College Skyhawks during their fourth NCAA contest. The Wildcats convincingly beat the Skyhawks by a blowout margin of 101-67. 

The environment didn’t seem conducive for the freshman since Wagner besotted a poor nine points while grabbing five points and three assists. As per Fan Nation, after this performance Wagner started falling in the draft boards. His weaknesses were exposed as he couldn’t pot balls from near the rim and also failed to convert three-pointers.

Kentucky Wildcats vs Saint Joseph’s Hawks 96-88

This game saw a 360 degree shift in Wagner’s performance as the Wildcats edged past the Saint Joseph’s Hawks in a close match of 96-88. Wagner came into his own during this contest. 

Wagner played for 36 minutes and had a field goal percentage of 41.2%. He smoked a career-high 22 points and was the most outstanding player for his team. He also nabbed three rebounds and made six assists. Wagner also shot eight free throws and had an astounding 87.5% free throw percentage.

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Wagner has improved his performance and is a spectacle to watch. With time, he has shown great maturity and is adjusting well to the conditions at Kentucky.