DJ Wagner healthy, emerging as leader for Arkansas

Sophomore guard DJ Wagner is healthy and emerging as a leader for Arkansas as the Razorbacks gear up for the first season of the John Calipari era in Fayetteville.

Wagner put up respectable numbers — 9.9 points, 3.3 assists, 1.9 rebounds per game — as a true freshman under Calipari at Kentucky last season, but he fell short of lofty expectations after arriving in Lexington as a heralded five-star, McDonald’s All-American in high school.

A lingering ankle injury factored into some of Wagner’s struggles later in the season, but he is back to full health now and primed for a breakout sophomore campaign as a vocal leader for the Hogs.

“Here’s what was funny. Before he got hurt, I believe he was Freshman of the Week three times,” Calipari said. “He just struggled? No, he was playing great. Then he got hurt, and he never really bounced back from that.

“I think he’s healthy. I think he’s more athletic than he was. The kid lives in the gym. He knows how to read his body now… When I need to step back or when I need to be uncomfortable and it’s good for me.

“I’m expecting a lot from him. You want his leadership. If you walk in my gym, the voice you hear is his. That’s the voice you hear. Which means he’s into his team.”

In recent weeks, sources who have been able to view Arkansas’ practices behind closed doors have told Inside Arkansas Wagner has been among those who have impressed with his toughness, leadership and how he carries himself like a professional.

With a year of seasoning in the SEC comes a level of maturity and understanding of what is required to excel on the biggest of stages in college basketball.

Best-case scenario for Wagner is making the freshman-to-sophomore leap, improving as a perimeter shooter and emerging as one of the best guards in the league.

Time will tell if he is ready to level up, but, for now, Wagner is serving as a leader by example for an Arkansas team expected to be a contender in 2024-25.

“Now, I want him to play. Do what you do. Fail fast,” Calipari said. “There’s some stuff that you did in high school that you can’t do in the SEC. Fail fast. Learn. Try it.

“I want him to go be who he is. Unbelievable coachable player. Maybe one of the best I’ve ever had. If you tell him something, he does it that moment right there. Then I blow the whistle and say ‘Do you guys understand? I just told him and look what he did. He does it. Now the rest of you catch up to this.'”

Arkansas fans will be able to get a first glimpse at Wagner in a Razorback uniform when Kansas comes to town Oct. 25 for a charity exhibition at Bud Walton Arena.