All-Time Louisville Team (Backup SG): #20 Milt Wagner

We continue our look at Straitpinkie’s G.O.A.T. squads with Louisville’s backup shooting guard: Camden, New Jersey’s Milton “Milt” Wagner.

Louisville 1981-1986

In addition to pouring in 12.7 points per game in his career, Wagner averaged 2.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his time at Louisville. He played in 144 career games, second all-time at Louisville, and started 111 times.

Wagner helped guide Louisville to three Final Fours and the 1986 National Championship over Puke. His original senior season was cut short in just its second game, but Milt took a medical redshirt and returned for the Championship season.

Milt still ranks fifth in Louisville history with 1,834 career points, sixth in career assists (432) and seventh in career free throw percentage (.808, 336-of-413). His number 20 jersey was retired back in 2000.

The NBA 1986-1990

Wagner was chosen in the 2nd round (11th pick, 35th overall) by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1986 NBA Draft but never saw the floor as he was waived in October of the same year. He was then signed by and went on to win a world championship as a member of the 1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers. He was waived by the Lakers after that season, and then played 13 games for the Miami Heat in 1990. He played in 53 career NBA games averaging 4.1ppg.

Where Is He Now?

Wagner is currently an assistant coach at UTEP (where former Cardinal Derrick Caracter has recently returned to the court). He and his wife, Jan, have a daughter, Janay Elise. Wagner also has a son, Dajuan, a 2002 NBA Draft lottery pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and two daughters, Munirah and Dashonda. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Communication from Memphis in 2004.