Kentucky men’s basketball’s D.J. Wagner showed out for Big Blue Nation on Saturday in the annual Blue-White game held by the Wildcats.
The five-star freshman out of Camden, New Jersey, contributed mainly to his team’s success, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists in his 38 minutes on the court.
Although his White team fell to the Blue team 100-89, Wagner made a positive impression on head coach John Calipari with his performance throughout the scrimmage.
“Knowing D.J. like I do, he was trying to get baskets because no one can make a basket,” Calipari said.
Ranked No. 4 in the 2023 recruiting class, Wagner led the White team during the first half, recording 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.
“He’s just trying to get him to win because that’s who he is,” Calipari said. “That’s what he’s about.”
Wagner had a similar second half, collecting 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. His solid performance overall showed his potential to be a consistent and reliable player for the Cats.
Calipari praised the hard work and competitiveness of not only Wagner, but the whole freshman class.
“DJ is in the gym all the time, Justin is in the gym, Antonio (is too),” Calipari said.
The 6-foot, 4-inch guard was challenged as he faced Rob Dillingham on the court, who also shined with 40 points and five rebounds during the scrimmage.
Dillingham led his Blue team in both points and assists, with the fellow five-star giving Wagner a tough battle. The two “do-it-all” freshman guards are expected to be essential additions to the Kentucky Wildcats in the upcoming season.
“The thing you don’t want is one guy gets it going, and now the other guy tries to do more than he should. I thought they did pretty good,” Calipari said.
Although his performance by the numbers wasn’t number one, the White team’s success relied on the stability of Wagner’s performance throughout both halves.
With Kentucky ranked No. 16 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, Calipari said he is looking for the players, whether first-year or fifth-year, who are willing to step up and become a leader.
Already being named to the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year preseason watchlist, Wagner has high hopes both as a leader at Kentucky and a leader across college basketball.
“We’ve got a good group,” Calipari said. “We got some warriors and that’s what you want. I don’t care, young or old. (If) it’s talent or experience, I’m taking talent every time.”
Wagner will look to be a starter on the Wildcats’ roster when Kentucky kicks off its regular season on November 6 against New Mexico State.
