D. J. Wagner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
D. J. Wagner

No. 21 – Arkansas Razorbacks
Point guard / shooting guard
Personal information
Born	(2005-05-04) May 4, 2005 (age 20) Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
High school	Camden (Camden, New Jersey)
Listed height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
College	Kentucky (2023–2024) Arkansas (2024–present)
League	Southeastern Conference
Career highlights and awards
SEC All-Freshman Team (2024) McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (2023) Jordan Brand Classic (2023) Nike Hoop Summit (2023)
Signature

Dajuan Marquette "D. J." Wagner Jr. was born on May 4, 2005. He is a talented American college basketball player. D. J. currently plays for the Arkansas Razorbacks team. This team is part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Before joining Arkansas, he played for the Kentucky Wildcats. Basketball runs in his family! His dad, Dajuan Wagner, was a professional player. His grandpa, Milt Wagner, also played professionally. D. J. was considered one of the best young players in the 2023 class.

D. J. Wagner's High School Journey

D. J. Wagner started his high school basketball career at Camden High School. Even before his first year, he was invited to special camps. These camps were held by USA Basketball in Colorado Springs. He was one of only three players from his class to get this invitation.

Freshman Year Highlights

In his very first game on December 20, 2019, D. J. scored 15 points. Many fans waited a long time to get into the game. His team, coached by former NBA player Rick Brunson, won 25 games in a row. Their season ended early because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Camden High School was named the New Jersey Boys Basketball Team of the Year. As a freshman, D. J. averaged 18.5 points per game. He earned the title of MaxPreps Freshman All-American.

Making History as a McDonald's All-American

On January 24, 2023, D. J. made history. He became the first third-generation McDonald's All-American. Both his father, Dajuan, and his grandfather, Milt, had also earned this honor.

Junior and Senior Year Success

As a junior, D. J. averaged 19.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 steals. He helped Camden win the NJSIAA Group 2 state championship. In his senior year, he averaged 22.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. His team finished with an impressive 23–2 record.

Recruiting for College Basketball

D. J. Wagner was a highly sought-after player for college basketball. Experts called him a "five-star recruit." This means he was one of the very best players in the 2023 class. For two years, he was ranked as the number one player. Later, his ranking dropped slightly to third. On November 14, 2022, D. J. decided where he would play college basketball. He chose to play for Kentucky. He picked Kentucky over an offer from Louisville.

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes

Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	Commit date
D. J. Wagner PG / SG	Camden, NJ	Camden (NJ)	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	Nov 14, 2022
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:   ESPN grade: 93
Overall recruiting rankings:   Rivals: 6  247Sports: 6  ESPN: 4
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources:

D. J. Wagner's College Career

Freshman Season at Kentucky (2023–24)

D. J. Wagner had a great first year at Kentucky. He was named to the All-Southeastern Conference Freshman Team. He also won SEC Freshman of the Week three times. D. J. started 28 out of 29 games he played. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game. He scored 10 or more points in 13 games. He also had a "double-double" (scoring and assists) against Georgia. D. J. had 20 games where he made three or more assists. He scored a career-high 28 points against Marshall. He also had 22 points and six assists in an overtime win against Saint Joseph’s.

Sophomore Season at Arkansas (2024–25)

After his freshman season, D. J. decided to transfer schools. On April 15, 2024, he entered the transfer portal. This means he was looking for a new college team. On May 27, 2024, he announced his decision. D. J. joined John Calipari and his coaching staff at Arkansas. He will play for the Arkansas Razorbacks in the upcoming season.

Career Statistics

College

Personal Life and Family Legacy

D. J. Wagner is the son of Dajuan Wagner and Syreeta Brittingham. His father, Dajuan, was picked 6th in the 2002 NBA draft. His grandfather, Milt Wagner, was also drafted into the NBA in 1986. D. J. hopes to become the first-ever third-generation NBA player. This would be a very special achievement for his family.