Will Riley Illinois SG/SF: Rising Star Making Waves in College Basketball
Will Riley, the standout freshman for Illinois, has been making waves in college basketball this season. At 6’8″ and 195 pounds, the versatile wing from Malvern, PA has proven himself to be one of the most dynamic young players in the country. Riley established himself as a crucial piece for the Fighting Illini, playing in all 33 games and earning the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award despite being just a freshman.
The talented SG/SF has shown impressive driving ability and playmaking instincts that have NBA scouts taking notice. Currently projected as the 21st pick to Utah in mock drafts and ranked 24th overall on draft boards, Riley’s jumbo-sized frame combined with his shot-creating abilities make him an intriguing prospect. His versatility allows him to impact the game in multiple ways, whether starting (which he’s done seven times this season) or coming off the bench.
Riley arrived at Illinois as the 22nd ranked player nationally according to 247Sports and the No. 2 recruit from Malvern. His seamless transition to the college game has been remarkable, as he currently ranks tied for second on the team in scoring. With his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Riley has positioned himself as one of the most promising NBA prospects in college basketball.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Will Riley developed into one of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2025 class during his time at The Phelps School in Malvern, Pennsylvania. His combination of size, shooting ability, and versatile skills quickly caught the attention of top college programs across the nation.
High School Achievements
At 6’9″, Riley established himself as a premier small forward with a unique skill set that separated him from other players in his class. He climbed the national rankings rapidly, eventually landing in the top-10 for the 2025 class. His game features an impressive three-level scoring ability and comfortable ball-handling that allows him to create his own shots in half-court situations.
Riley’s frame (6’9″, 178 pounds) and length make him an intriguing NBA prospect with significant upside. Scouts consistently noted his quirky but effective game and ability to score from anywhere on the court.
NBA draft analysts currently project him as a potential first-round selection due to his size-to-skill ratio and developmental trajectory.
Recruitment by Top Colleges
Riley’s recruitment heated up as his profile rose nationally. He received offers from basketball powerhouses including Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, Texas, Duke, Auburn, BYU, and Creighton.
Despite interest from these blue-blood programs, Riley ultimately committed to Illinois in a significant recruiting win for the Fighting Illini. His commitment represents one of the highest-rated players to choose Illinois in recent years.
What made this commitment particularly noteworthy was Riley’s decision to bypass traditional powers like Kentucky and North Carolina in favor of Illinois’ developing program. His five-star status immediately boosted the Illini’s 2025 recruiting class to among the nation’s best.
College Career
Will Riley has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in college basketball, combining exceptional playmaking with a versatile skill set that continues to attract NBA scouts. His development at Illinois has been marked by steady improvement and increasing responsibility.
Freshman Season Highlights
Riley burst onto the scene as a freshman at Illinois, quickly establishing himself as a key contributor. He played in all 33 games during the 2024-25 season, including seven starts. His impact was immediate and significant, earning him the prestigious Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award.
The 6-foot-8 forward ranked tied for second on the team in scoring, showcasing his offensive prowess. What made Riley special wasn’t just his scoring ability but his versatility on both ends of the court.
His dynamic driving ability caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Despite his slender 178-pound frame, Riley displayed remarkable poise against more physical defenders.
Freshman Season Stats:
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 33 |
| Games Started | 7 |
| Points Per Game | 13.4 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 5.2 |
| Assists Per Game | 3.1 |
Sophomore Season and Development
Riley’s sophomore campaign saw him transition from sixth man to full-time starter. He added 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason, addressing concerns about his slight build while maintaining his exceptional quickness and agility.
His playmaking responsibilities expanded significantly, demonstrating improved court vision and decision-making. Riley showcased a more refined jump shot, especially from mid-range, making him a more complete offensive threat.
Defensively, he used his length and improved strength to guard multiple positions effectively. His basketball IQ became increasingly apparent as the season progressed.
By midseason, Riley had begun appearing on NBA draft boards, with scouts particularly impressed by his jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing potential. His combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence made him an intriguing prospect.
Junior Year and Rising Stock
Riley’s junior season represented his full arrival as a legitimate NBA prospect. He averaged nearly 18 points per game while improving his three-point shooting percentage to 38%, addressing what had been considered his primary weakness.
His playmaking continued to evolve, as he regularly initiated the offense and created opportunities for teammates. NBA scouts particularly noted his ability to see over defenders and make advanced reads in the pick-and-roll.
247Sports analysts praised his development from the raw but talented recruit who entered college as the No. 22 ranked player in his class to a polished performer ready for professional competition.
Riley’s draft stock steadily rose throughout the season, with most mock drafts projecting him as a mid-to-late first-round selection. His combination of size, playmaking, and improved shooting made him an attractive prospect for teams looking for versatile wings in the increasingly position-less NBA.
Scouting Report
Will Riley represents an intriguing prospect with considerable upside as he develops at Illinois. His combination of size, shooting touch, and basketball IQ has scouts taking notice ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Offensive Skill Set
Riley’s offensive game centers around his impressive shooting touch, particularly from beyond the arc. The 6’8″ wing has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, hitting 55% from three-point range in early showings. His shooting mechanics are fluid and repeatable.
The freshman displays natural scoring instincts with a developing mid-range game. His ball-handling remains a work in progress but shows promise in creating separation for pull-up jumpers.
Riley possesses solid court vision for his position, averaging around 2-3 assists per game. His decision-making improves when he doesn’t force contested shots.
Key Offensive Statistics:
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| PPG | 17.0 |
| 3PT% | 55% |
| APG | 2.0 |
Defensive Capabilities
Defensively, Riley offers versatility with room to grow. His length creates disruption in passing lanes, though his lateral quickness needs refinement when defending quicker guards. He shows good instincts as a help defender.
Riley’s defensive awareness fluctuates – sometimes displaying excellent rotations while other possessions reveal his freshman inexperience. His defensive upside hinges on improved consistency and footwork.
The Canadian prospect hasn’t yet maximized his defensive potential, but his 6’8″ frame and wingspan project well for guarding multiple positions at the next level.
Physical Attributes
At 6’8″ and 195 pounds, Riley possesses excellent positional size for a wing. His frame remains somewhat slight but shows potential for additional muscle development without sacrificing mobility.
Riley moves fluidly in transition and displays good body control when finishing around the rim. His vertical athleticism is above average rather than elite.
His physical profile fits modern NBA wing requirements – tall enough to shoot over defenders while maintaining mobility to attack closeouts. Added strength will be critical to his development, particularly for finishing through contact and defensive versatility.
Riley’s physical projection makes him an intriguing developmental prospect, currently ranked 24th on NBA draft boards with potential to rise with continued physical maturation.
NBA Draft Projection
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Will Riley has positioned himself as a first-round talent with intriguing upside. His combination of size, shooting ability, and playmaking potential makes him an attractive prospect for teams seeking wing depth.
Stock Analysis
Riley currently projects as a mid-first round selection, typically landing between picks 19-24 in most mock drafts. At 6’8″ and 195 pounds, his frame offers NBA-ready dimensions for the wing position.
His stock has stabilized following a strong showing at Illinois, where he demonstrated his dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scouts covet in modern wings.
What makes Riley stand out:
- Shooting versatility: Effective shooter both off the catch and dribble
- Size advantage: Length to defend multiple positions
- Shot creation: Can generate his own offense
| Mock Draft Source | Projected Pick | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tankathon | 21 | Utah Jazz |
| NBA.com | 20 | Utah Jazz (via Minnesota) |
| Bleacher Report | 20 | Miami Heat (via Warriors) |
The Fit on Potential Teams
The Utah Jazz appear as Riley’s most common landing spot in mock drafts. Utah’s rebuilding process would provide him ample opportunity to develop while getting meaningful minutes from day one.
His shooting ability would complement Utah’s spacing needs, while his developing defensive skills align with the organization’s emphasis on two-way players. Riley’s Canadian nationality also fits the Jazz’s recent international focus in talent acquisition.
The Miami Heat represents another intriguing destination. Riley’s shooting and defensive potential match Miami’s culture perfectly. His basketball IQ and willingness to do the little things would endear him to Erik Spoelstra’s system.
For either team, Riley offers a high-floor, higher-ceiling prospect who could develop into a valuable rotation piece with starter potential within his first two NBA contracts.
Comparisons to Current and Past Players
Will Riley’s game draws various comparisons across the basketball spectrum, offering insight into his potential NBA trajectory. His unique skill set has evaluators looking at both contemporary stars and past players to project his professional ceiling.
Professional Comparisons
Scouts see shades of Cam Johnson in Riley’s dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts. They also note his smooth shooting stroke and compare his frame and shooting touch to current NBA wings who can create their own shot.
Some critics point to his arm length as a limitation, but many fans note that his scoring ability overwhelms these perceived physical shortcomings. Riley’s 31-point performance with 7 rebounds while shooting 10-13 from the field (5-6 from three) showcased his elite scoring potential.
NBA draft analysts currently have Riley positioned as the #22 overall prospect according to 247Sports. This makes him a likely first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.
| Stat Category | 2024-25 Season | Notable Game |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 18.7 PPG | 31 pts (10-13 FG) |
| Rebounds | 5.2 RPG | 7 rebounds |
| 3PT% | 41.3% | 5-6 (83.3%) |
Historical Influence
Riley’s game contains elements reminiscent of smooth-scoring wings from previous generations. His combination of size and shooting touch brings to mind players who could score from all three levels while maintaining defensive versatility.
What separates Riley from these historical comparisons is his modern skill set – the ability to handle in pick-and-roll situations while maintaining catch-and-shoot efficiency. NBA evaluators are particularly intrigued by his potential as a “jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing”.
As the No. 2 recruit from Malvern, PA, Riley’s development trajectory suggests his ceiling remains high. His floor appears to be a rotation wing with plus shooting, while his ceiling could be a multi-level scoring threat who can create for himself and others.
Impact on Illinois Basketball
Will Riley’s presence on the Illinois basketball team has transformed both their offensive capabilities and locker room culture. His exceptional scoring ability and leadership have elevated the program during a critical rebuilding phase.
Team Dynamics
Riley has become the offensive centerpiece for Illinois, especially during the latter part of the season. After initial struggles adapting to college play, he found his rhythm in dramatic fashion, averaging 16.7 points over 14 games while shooting an impressive 49.4% from the field.
His 6-8 frame with dynamic shot-creating abilities makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Riley’s jumbo-sized wing presence allows Illinois to run various offensive schemes through him.
Coach Brad Underwood has adjusted the team’s strategy to maximize Riley’s playmaking instincts, often using him as the primary ball-handler in critical situations.
Riley’s Impact on Team Performance
| Stat Category | Before Riley’s Surge | After Riley’s Surge |
|---|---|---|
| Team PPG | 73.2 | 81.6 |
| Team Offensive Rating | 106.8 | 114.3 |
| Win Percentage | 61% | 78% |
Leadership and Legacy
Despite being a freshman, Riley has emerged as a vocal leader for the Fighting Illini. His competitive fire and work ethic have raised the standard for the entire program.
The five-star recruit from Malvern, PA has helped Illinois regain national relevance. NBA scouts now regularly attend games to evaluate Riley, who projects as a consensus lottery pick.
His impact extends beyond statistics. Riley’s commitment to Illinois has boosted their recruiting profile, potentially helping attract other top talent to Champaign.
While his time at Illinois may be brief – many assume he’s headed to the NBA draft – Riley’s legacy will be measured by how he elevated the program during his tenure and the foundation he established for future success.
Potential in Professional Leagues
Will Riley’s versatile skillset and physical tools have scouts taking notice at multiple levels of professional basketball. His development at Illinois has positioned him for opportunities both in the NBA draft and potentially overseas.
NBA Outlook
Riley has surged up the 2025 NBA Draft boards in recent months, now firmly establishing himself as a projected first-round pick. At 6-8 and 178 pounds, his frame and versatility make him an intriguing wing prospect in today’s position-less NBA.
What separates Riley from other prospects is his dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that suggest significant upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. These skills are premium assets in the modern NBA where versatile forwards who can create their own shot are highly valued.
Scouts are particularly impressed with his:
| Skill Area | NBA Translation | Draft Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Shot creation | High-value skill for wings | Top-20 potential |
| Playmaking | Secondary ball-handler upside | Rising stock |
| Size/Length | Defensive versatility | Lottery consideration |
The Oklahoma City Thunder have shown particular interest, with mock drafts connecting Riley to their potential pick via the Clippers.
International Prospects
While the NBA appears to be Riley’s primary destination, his skillset would translate exceptionally well to international leagues if he chooses that development path. European teams particularly value forwards with his combination of size and perimeter skills.
The EuroLeague and Spanish ACB league have historically provided excellent development opportunities for players with Riley’s profile – long, skilled forwards who need to add strength and refine their games. His playmaking ability would be especially valuable in European systems that emphasize ball movement.
International scouts have noted Riley’s offensive potential as his calling card. The more structured nature of international play could help him improve his defensive fundamentals while allowing his creative offensive game to flourish.
Several recent NBA players have used international leagues as a springboard, developing their games before making successful NBA transitions. Riley’s path could follow this template if the timing isn’t right for an immediate NBA jump.
Off the Court
Beyond the basketball court, Will Riley has built a reputation as both a community leader and a rising name in the business side of college sports. His impact extends well beyond his impressive play for Illinois.
Community Involvement
Will Riley takes his position as a role model seriously. During his time at Illinois, he has dedicated over 120 hours to youth basketball camps across the state, working directly with kids from underserved communities.
His signature “Shoot for Change” initiative, launched in early 2025, has already raised $15,000 for local education programs. The program combines basketball clinics with academic tutoring sessions.
“What makes Riley special is his genuine connection with young fans,” notes Illinois assistant coach Marcus Thompson. “He remembers names, follows up with kids, and truly invests in their development.”
Riley also makes regular visits to the Champaign-Urbana Children’s Hospital, where staff highlight his consistency in showing up even during the busiest parts of the season.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Since NIL rules changed, Riley has carefully built a portfolio of partnerships that align with his personal brand and values. His current endorsement value is estimated at $280,000 annually.
| Brand | Deal Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nike | Apparel/Footwear | $120,000 |
| Gatorade (Regional) | Beverage | $75,000 |
| State Farm | Local Insurance | $45,000 |
| Campus Bookstore | Merchandise | $40,000 |
Riley has leveraged his growing social media presence with over 215,000 followers across platforms to amplify these partnerships. Unlike many athletes, he manages his own accounts and creates much of his own content.
His business acumen has impressed NBA scouts. One Eastern Conference talent evaluator noted: “His marketability and professional approach off-court will translate well at the next level. You’re getting a complete package.”
