Kristian Ferrell
Will Riley is a rising basketball star from Canada, who plays as a forward or shooting guard. Known for his impressive skills on the court, Riley stands at 6 feet 9 inches and possesses great versatility. His ability to shoot, drive, handle the ball, and facilitate plays has caught the attention of college recruiters. He is considered a four-star prospect and has received offers from top programs such as Oregon, Arkansas, and Illinois. Riley's performance on the court, marked by his high shooting percentage and ability to create scoring opportunities, has made him an exciting player to watch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Will Riley |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Position | Forward |
| Height | 6 feet 9 inches |
| Jersey Number | 7 |
| Year | 2024-25 |
| Team | Illinois Fighting Illini |
| Achievements | Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year |
| Games Played | 35 (8 starts) |
| Scoring | 12.6 ppg (third-highest on the team) |
| Skills | Shooting, driving, ball handling, facilitating plays |
| Prospect Rating | Four-star |
| College Considerations | Oregon, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas State |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Will Riley's basketball career
Will Riley is a rising basketball star from Canada. At 6 feet 9 inches tall, he is a versatile player who can take on the roles of shooting guard and small forward. Riley's skills include shooting, driving, ball handling, and facilitating plays. His performance on the court has garnered him offers from top college basketball programs such as Oregon, Arkansas, Illinois, and Kansas State.
Riley is known for his high shooting percentage and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His strong court presence and impactful plays have made him an exciting player to watch. During the 2024-25 season, Riley played in all 35 games for the University of Illinois, starting in eight of them. He ranked third in team scoring with an average of 12.6 points per game, earning him the title of Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.
Riley's impressive skills have caught the attention of college recruiters. He is highly ranked and considered a four-star prospect in his class. Off the court, Riley is seeking a college program that offers a supportive and positive environment where he can continue to develop his skills and thrive as a player. His versatility and impact on the court suggest a promising future for this young basketball player.
Some notable moments in Riley's career include hitting 3-pointers against the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He also had standout performances against the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins, where he buried dagger 3s against Xavier. These achievements have been highlighted by ESPN, showcasing Riley's growing reputation in the basketball world.
The Evolution of Basketball: Molded Balls Introduced
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Awards and accolades
Will Riley, the Canadian college basketball player for the Illinois Fighting Illini, has received several awards and accolades throughout his career.
During his freshman year, Riley played in all 35 games with eight starts, ranking third in team scoring with an average of 12.6 points per game. This impressive performance earned him the title of Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year for the 2024-25 season. Riley's contributions to the team were invaluable, as he expanded his role from a spot-up shooter to a legitimate three-level scorer with facilitating abilities.
Prior to his college career, Riley attended high school at various prestigious institutions, including The Phelps School in Malvern, PA, for his final two years. He excelled in basketball and was ranked as the top Canadian prospect in the class of 2025 by 247Sports. He was also highly ranked by other sports platforms, such as On3.com and Rivals.com.
Riley's talent was further recognised during the EYBL, where he averaged 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. He was named the Offensive MVP of the EYBL Indy Session while playing for UPlay Canada. Additionally, he was awarded the MVP title at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during the NBA All-Star weekend.
US Basketball's Golden Triumphs: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Top college programmes
Will Riley, a rising basketball star from Canada, has attracted the attention of college recruiters with his impressive skills on the court. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Riley is a versatile player who can take on the roles of shooting guard and small forward. His ability to shoot, drive, handle the ball, and facilitate plays has made him a highly sought-after prospect.
Riley has received offers from some of the top college basketball programmes in the country. Here is an overview of the top programmes that have shown interest in securing his talents:
University of Illinois
The University of Illinois was the programme that Riley ultimately chose, and he made a record-setting debut, scoring 31 points. The University of Illinois considers Riley a five-star recruit and the highest-ranked recruit they have signed in the internet era. Riley's performance has helped the programme aim for a return to the NCAA Tournament.
Oregon
Oregon is one of the top college basketball programmes that offered a spot to Riley. The programme is known for its strong basketball history and has produced many successful players.
Arkansas
Arkansas is another prestigious programme that recognised Riley's talent and offered him a place. The programme has a reputation for developing talented players and providing a supportive environment for their athletes.
Kansas State
Kansas State was one of the first programmes to scout Riley and extend an offer. They recognised his potential early on, and their interest played a significant role in putting Riley on the radar of other top programmes in the country.
These are just a few examples of the top college programmes that have shown interest in Will Riley. His exceptional skills and work ethic have garnered the attention of many prestigious basketball programmes across the country.
ACC Basketball Tournament: Schedule, Teams, and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Impactful plays
Will Riley, the 6-foot-9-inch rising basketball star from Canada, is known for his impactful plays on the court. His versatility as a shooting guard and small forward, along with his impressive skills, has caught the attention of many college recruiters.
Riley's ability to shoot, drive, handle the ball, and facilitate plays makes him a valuable asset to any team. He has a high shooting percentage and is adept at creating scoring opportunities, not just for himself but also for his teammates. This was evident in his Freshman year, where he played in all 35 games with eight starts, ranking third in team scoring with an impressive 12.6 points per game.
One of Riley's notable strengths is his accuracy from beyond the arc. He has consistently hit crucial 3-pointers against tough opponents, such as the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and Xavier. His 3-point shooting has been described as a "dagger," piercing the hearts of opposing teams and securing victories for his own team.
Another impactful aspect of Riley's game is his defensive presence. His height and athleticism allow him to effectively contest shots, grab rebounds, and initiate fast breaks. Riley's defensive plays can shift the momentum of a game, giving his team a significant advantage.
Off the court, Riley is highly regarded for his character and work ethic. He is seeking a college program that offers a supportive and positive environment, demonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement and development. This combination of on-court talent and off-court dedication makes Will Riley a highly sought-after prospect in the world of college basketball.
Shooting Hoops: Achieving High Arcs for Basketball Beginners
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shooting ability
Will Riley, the Canadian basketball player from Kitchener, Ontario, is known for his shooting ability. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches to 9 inches, Riley combines his height with a smooth shooting stroke and exceptional ball-handling skills.
During his freshman season at the University of Illinois, Riley averaged 12.6 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess. He also averaged 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, demonstrating his all-around contribution on the court.
Riley's shooting ability is characterized by his advanced perimeter skills, particularly as a shooter off the catch and in space. He is comfortable stepping into mid-range pull-ups and has the potential to be an effective floor-spacer. He shot 43.2% from the field during his freshman year, indicating his efficiency as a scorer.
While Riley has impressed with his shooting, there are areas for improvement. He has been described as inconsistent, and his three-point shooting can become more consistent over time. Additionally, Riley has been known to use his size to his advantage when shooting over smaller defenders, but his length is not considered exceptional relative to his height, with a wingspan of 6 feet 6 inches to 7 inches and a standing reach of 8 feet 6 inches to 9 inches.
Despite these areas for refinement, Riley's shooting ability has caught the attention of scouts and NBA teams alike. His blend of size, shot-making ability, and versatility makes him a highly intriguing prospect for the future.
Where to Watch Razorback Basketball Tonight
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Will Riley stands at 6 feet 9 inches.
Riley is a versatile player who can play as a shooting guard or small forward.
Riley is known for his impressive skills on the court, including his ability to shoot, drive, handle the ball, and facilitate plays. He is also known for his high shooting percentage and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Riley has garnered offers from top programs such as Oregon, Arkansas, Illinois, and Kansas State.
Off the court, Riley is looking for a college program that offers a supportive and positive environment where he can continue to develop his skills and thrive.
![Roderick Riley (Basketball Card) 2005-06 Topps Chrome - [Base] #267](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/11i-NCw-ENL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
