Inside Arkansas caught up with several of the top guards in the SEC at Media Day to get their thoughts on past matchups with transfer guard DJ Wagner:
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Zakai Zeigler – Tennessee
Wagner and Zeigler have a history dating back to the high school days in the Northeast, but the two were matched up late last season in a marquee SEC contest between Kentucky and Tennessee.
While Wagner got the bragging rights with the win in Knoxville, it was Zeigler who got the best of the individual matchup.
Wagner finished with 4 points and 2 rebounds in just 13 minutes. Zeigler scored 17 points and dished out 9 assists.
“I played him in high school, so I saw him plenty of times before college,” Zeigler said. “He’s a really fast downhill guard. He’s a really good guard. He’s a right-handed guy, but he’s really good with his left hand more than most righties. Just a really strong, downhill, good guard.”
Josh Hubbard – Mississippi State
Wagner and Kentucky went 2-0 against Hubbard and Mississippi State last season. Wagner averaged 8.5 points and 3 assists in the two matchups. Hubbard, meanwhile, was limited to just one made basket in the first game before exploding for 34 in the runback.
“Me and DJ played the year prior on the EYBL,” Hubbard said. “So, to come back and play him on the collegiate level, it’s all fun to compete at a high level.
“He’s a great player. He’s been a good player since high school. So much respect for him across the country. Just to go against him was an honor. I’ve known him my whole life, and we played against each other in high school.”
Denver Jones – Auburn
Wagner pitched in 8 points, 2 rebounds and an assist in Kentucky’s big road win at Auburn last season. He also played a role in holding Jones to just 3-of-11 shooting from the field. So, it comes as no surprise it was DJ’s defense that stood out the most to Jones.
“I remember DJ Wagner,” Jones said. “I remember his tenacity on defense. I feel like that’s what really bothered us as far his ball pressure. I feel like that is underrated. When his name comes up many people don’t really say defense, but his defense I feel like is one of his strong suits.”
Walter Clayton – Florida
Wagner and Clayton both had memorable performances in Kentucky’s 87-85 win at Florida last January. Clayton got loose for 23 points, but Wagner stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Wagner missed the rematch due to an ankle injury.
“Last year, DJ didn’t play the second game against us,” Clayton said. “The first one he played at Florida. He came on in the second half. Downhill driver. Good handle. Good vision. He was a really good young guard last year, and I think he has probably improved over the summer with Coach Cal.”