In a surprising turn of events, former Kentucky Wildcat guard DJ Wagner has committed to Arkansas, following his coach John Calipari who left Kentucky for SEC rival Arkansas in early April. Wagner is the sixth player or prospect to join Calipari at Arkansas from Kentucky.
Wagner started in 28 of his 29 appearances for the Wildcats last season, averaging 9.9 points, 3.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game. He was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team and was a three-time SEC Freshman of the Week honoree.
The New Jersey native had taken only two visits after entering the portal in mid-April, to USC and Arkansas. His decision was first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by multiple sources.
Calipari coached Wagner's father Dajuan at Memphis, while Kenny Payne, now an assistant at Arkansas, played with Milt Wagner on Louisville's 1986 national championship team. With the addition of Wagner and other transfers and recruits, Arkansas is expected to enter the 2024-25 season ranked in the top 15 nationally.
Wagner's commitment comes after several other Kentucky players followed Calipari to Arkansas, including Zvonimir Ivisic, Adou Thiero, Boogie Fland, Karter Knox and Billy Richmond. Ugonna Onyenso is the only player from last year's roster yet to make a decision.
Calipari shocked the college basketball world when he left Kentucky after 15 seasons to replace Eric Musselman at Arkansas. The Hall of Fame coach had led Kentucky to eight SEC regular-season titles, five SEC Tournament titles and one national championship during his tenure.
