D.J. Wagner, a third-generation NBA hopeful, is set for his third season with coach John Calipari.
Wagner, a former McDonald's All-American game MVP and New Jersey's player of the year for three straight seasons, comes from a basketball family. His dad, Dajuan Wagner, played for Calipari at Memphis and was the sixth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. His grandfather was a second-round pick in 1986.
Despite his family's basketball legacy, Wagner's path has been different from his Kentucky teammates Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, who were one-and-done guards in the 2024 NBA Draft after their freshman seasons.
Years ago, perhaps not many expected D.J. Wagner would end up seated perpendicular to rows of media chairs Tuesday at SEC basketball media days on the furthest pedestal from the front stage — set for a third season with coach John Calipari.
Author's summary: D.J. Wagner is ready for his third season with coach John Calipari.