Bill Self and Kansas reminded of the Keaton Wagler miss in the worst way possible

Keaton Wagler grew up in Shawnee, Kansas, which is just a 37-minute drive to Lawrence, Kansas, home of the Kansas Jayhawks. Growing up so close to such a powerhouse basketball school made Wagler become a huge Jayhawks fan growing up, and even had him wishing to be a Jayhawk one day.

Instead, Wagler chose Illinois because Bill Self and Kansas didn't even offer him a scholarship out of high school. Now, just one year later, Wagler is the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and is a part of this historic freshman class that has been breaking records all season long.

After winning the award out of the Big Ten, Wagler was asked about his March Madness memories as a kid, and the first one that came to mind for the young star was when he grew up watching Kansas. Now, Wagler has forgotten his Kansas fandom and is all about Illinois as he is leading them to an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Did Bill Self make a mistake with Keaton Wagler?

Kansas has a star freshman of its own, and it is none other than Darryn Peterson. The same Darryn Peterson who is projected to be No. 1 overall in the upcoming NBA Draft. The same Darryn Peterson who is averaging 19.9 points a game and 4.2 rebounds. The same Darryn Peterson who can put a team on his back and go win a championship.

This is also the same Darryn Peterson who missed nearly half the season with injuries, illness, and framping issues. The same Darryn Peterson who has reportedly "load-managed" and subbed himself out of games that resulted in losses for the team.

Wagler is averaging 17.9 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Wagler won Big Ten Freshman of the Year and has been a pivotal part of Illinois' success this season. He was just a kid from Kansas with a dream to play for his favorite team, but instead, Self went for the big name over the home state kid.

Will Bill Self regret the decision? All will be answered in March.