Fayetteville, Arkansas — It appears like John Calipari’s recruiting strategy for building next year’s team is working well. DJ Wagner, a former Kentucky point guard, will visit Arkansas this weekend, according to Jonathan Rothstein. The Wagners’ friendship with Calipari began in the early 2000s, when DJ’s father, Dajuan, played down the road in Memphis.
Connections do not end with Calipari-Wagner. In high school, the Camden, New Jersey native played alongside incoming 5-star freshman Billy Richmond. The fathers of Richmond and Wagner both played for the Tigers during the 2001-2002 season. The familial environment continues to deepen. A sense of devotion that spans two generations is a significant selling point for prospects who have already worked with the Hall of Fame coach.
Wagner recently traveled west to visit former Arkansas coach Eric Musselman at USC. It appeared that Calipari and the Razorbacks would miss out on one of the nation’s most talented rising sophomores. However, it looks that the trend has shifted in favor of the Hogs in their pursuit of Wagner.
During his college career, Musselman established himself as one of the finest importers of transfer talent. If the Hogs can land Wagner over the Trojans, it may raise some eyebrows as Calipari attempts to evolve his transfer recruiting strategy. Perhaps Arkansas’ new coach will take over as the best transfer recruiter, given that his current crop is ranked first in 247sports’ team transfer rankings, ahead of Kansas, Indiana, and now rival Kentucky.
Wagner had an up and down freshman season with the Wildcats. He struck the freshman wall around mid-January and was unable to rebound from his strong start. The 6-foot-4 guard scored in double figures in 10 of his first 16 games, but only three in the final 13 games.
Throughout his freshman season, he averaged 10 points, three assists, and two rebounds per game. Another year under Calipari might benefit him, as he shot 41% from the field, 76% from the line, and only 29% from three.
Wagner was the No. 6 recruit in the 2023 class, according to 247sports Composite. He was ranked as the top combination guard and player in New Jersey. During his first season with the Wildcats, he was named SEC All-Fresher.
The Razorbacks presently have commitments from former FAU shooting guard Johnell Davis, who is largely regarded as a top-three transfer this offseason. Former Tennessee center Jonas Aidoo will join former Kentucky forwards Zvonimir Ivisic and Adou Thiero in Fayetteville.
