DJ Wagner: Analysis on No. 3 basketball recruit for 2023

DJ Wagner is the No. 3 player in the 2023 class and is ranked as a five-star prospect by On3. The 6-foot-3, the 165-pound junior point guard has offers from Kentucky, Syracuse, and Villanova. Here’s why he’s the best in the country.

DJ Wagner is shifty

Point guards in basketball today are expected to be able to do everything, most importantly handle the ball. DJ Wagner has the handles and ability to change speeds to keep the defenders off balance. Using ball screens to maneuver through traffic and stumbling defenders in his path. Off the catch, defenders are at a disadvantage to Wagner because of his ability to shoot or attack the rim.

Wagner is a fearless shooter

Whether off the dribble or the catch, DJ Wagner is not someone who should have an open shot. Easier said than done. Wagner has an amazing shot at this early point in his career and is comfortable shooting it.

In the clutch, he is the man you want with the ball. He is willing and able to shoot off-balance with a hand in his face. When bringing the ball up if the defense backs off enough, he has the range to pull and will.

Off the catch, he will use his hesitations to get the defender off balance and pull with a better-looking shot. Just as expected from a do-it-all point guard, Wagner’s jump shot is already at an elite level for his age.

No one can stop me mentality

Wagner is the son of a former NBA lottery pick, DaJuan Wagner. Being the No.1 prospect and son of a former NBA lottery pick can bring a lot of pressure. When watching DJ Wagner, you would never suspect that he feels any pressure at all. Whether the game has just started or it comes down to the last shot, Wagner knows he is that guy. Instilling the same confidence in his teammates when trusting them with big shots, Wagner is the point guard every team wishes to have.

NBA comparison for DJ Wagner

The best comparisons to DJ Wagner in the NBA are Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard. Already a top-tier point guard before he even steps foot on a college court, Wagner embodies the games of these two. His shiftiness, confidence, and ability to find open teammates are similar to Kyrie’s game. His ability to hit clutch shots and be the team leader are similar to that of Lillard. Lillard and Kyrie are two of the best point guards in the league and in a few years, Wagner will get his chance to prove himself.

Best fit for Wagner 

With more offers most likely to come in this season, so far the best fit for Wagner would be Kentucky. With point guards like De’Aaron Fox, Brandon Knight and John Wall to name a few, Kentucky has a knack for producing NBA point guards. Coach John Calipari specializes in the management of five-star talent to make sure their draft stock is maintained while at the school.