Episode 309: DJ Wagner

DJ Wagner has lived his entire life in the shadow of a name that carries weight in basketball circles. His grandfather, Milt Wagner, was a Louisville legend. His father, Dajuan Wagner, was a star at Memphis under John Calipari. Now at Arkansas, DJ is writing his own story — one built on family, competition and an unwavering drive to win.

In this conversation with Matt Zimmerman, DJ reflects on the lessons he’s learned from his dad and granddad and how their influence shaped his approach to the game. He shares how his mom might be the most competitive member of the family, what it was like growing up in the basketball hotbed of New Jersey and how playing for Coach Cal connects him to his family’s history while pushing him toward his own future.

From the pressures of being one of the nation’s top recruits to the mindset shift of “killer be killed” when he steps on the court, DJ opens up about the balance between humility and confidence and the responsibility of carrying a name that means so much in the sport. This is the story of how DJ Wagner is honoring his past while proving he’s ready to create his own legacy in Razorback red.