What happened: Gradey Dick attended Wichita Collegiate School and Sunrise Christian Academy before entering the league, while Keaton Wagler played at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. The two players did not know each other personally prior to becoming professional teammates despite their shared roots.

Why it matters: Wagler stepped into the rotation as the No. 5 overall pick for the 2026-27 campaign and scored his first career regular-season basket on Oct. 22. Pairing the rookie with a fellow Kansas native builds early locker-room familiarity during the opening week of the schedule.

What to watch: Dick and Wagler continue their early regular-season slate ahead of an upcoming trip to Kansas.