Helena Frye
Will Riley is a 6'8 small forward for the Illinois Fighting Illini. Originally from Kitchner, Ontario, Riley moved to Malvern, PA, where he became the state's No. 2 basketball recruit. After a successful freshman season at Illinois, where he averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, Riley declared for the 2025 NBA draft, where he is projected to be a first-round pick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Will Riley |
| Jersey Number | 7 |
| Position | Forward |
| Height | 6-foot-8 |
| Weight | 195 pounds |
| Ranking | No. 23 in the country by 247Sports |
| Recruiting Rank in Malvern, PA | No. 2 |
| National Small Forward Rank | No. 4 |
| NBA Draft Status | Projected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft |
| Awards | Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year |
| Points Per Game | 12.6 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 4.1 |
| Assists Per Game | 2.2 |
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What You'll Learn
Will Riley's 2024-25 Freshman season
Will Riley, a 6-foot-8 small forward from Malvern, PA, joined the University of Illinois as a freshman for the 2024-25 basketball season. He was ranked No. 23 in the country by 247Sports and was the No. 4 Small Forward in the nation.
During his freshman season, Riley showcased his talent and made an impact on the court. He played in all 35 games, with eight starts, and ranked third on the team in scoring with an average of 12.6 points per game. He also contributed 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. His performance earned him the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award.
One of Riley's standout strengths is his versatility as a scorer. He possesses outstanding shot-making abilities from all over the floor and has impressed with his ability to create shots for himself and his teammates. His passing skills and creativity as a ball handler have also caught the attention of NBA scouts.
Following his impressive freshman season, Riley announced that he would enter the 2025 NBA draft. He is projected to be a first-round pick, with ESPN ranking him as the No. 15 prospect. His decision to enter the draft comes after a successful season where he demonstrated his potential and talent, despite limited high-level experience in the United States prior to his enrollment at Illinois.
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Riley's 3-pointers
Will Riley, the 6-foot-8 small forward from Malvern, PA, has proven himself a talented 3-point shooter. Playing for the University of Illinois, Riley has demonstrated an impressive ability to create shots and score from beyond the arc.
In one notable performance, Riley showcased his 3-point prowess against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, sinking a crucial 3-pointer to boost his team's chances. He repeated this feat against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, further cementing his reputation as a sharpshooter from downtown.
Riley's talent for knocking down 3-pointers was also on full display when he faced off against Xavier. In this particular game, he buried multiple dagger 3s, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
The freshman's impressive performances didn't go unnoticed, as he was named the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. Riley's scoring ability was a key factor, as he ranked third on the team in scoring with an impressive average of 12.6 points per game.
Standing at 6'8" and weighing 195 pounds, Riley possesses the ideal physique for a small forward. His versatility as a scorer, coupled with his outstanding shot-making abilities, has garnered the attention of NBA scouts, who view him as a potential first-round draft pick. Riley's ability to create shots, make reads, and display polished scoring instincts sets him apart as a talented player with a bright future in basketball.
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2025 NBA draft entrant
Will Riley, a freshman wing from Kitchner, Ontario, Canada, has announced his entry into the 2025 NBA Draft. A 6-foot-8 versatile scorer with impressive shot-making abilities, Riley is projected to be a first-round pick and is ranked as the No. 15 prospect by ESPN. During his time with the Illinois Fighting Illini, Riley showcased his exceptional talent, earning the title of Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. He averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, with standout performances against Minnesota and Rutgers.
Riley's journey to the NBA began in his hometown of Malvern, PA, where he established himself as one of the top basketball prospects in the country. Ranked as the No. 23 player in the nation by 247Sports, Riley chose to further his development at the University of Illinois. Despite limited high-level experience compared to his peers, Riley quickly made an impact, demonstrating his skills as a ball handler, creator, and passer. His court vision, basketball IQ, and ability to create shots for himself and his teammates caught the attention of NBA scouts.
What sets Riley apart is his unique combination of size, scoring instincts, and creativity. At 6'8", he possesses the height and length that NBA teams covet, coupled with a polished scoring repertoire. Riley's ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a valuable asset. Additionally, his dedication to improving his physicality and adding weight showcases his commitment to maximizing his potential.
As Riley enters the NBA, he will look to refine his skills and continue his development at the professional level. With his work ethic, basketball IQ, and natural talent, he has the potential to become a successful player in the league. Riley's entry into the 2025 NBA Draft marks an exciting opportunity for him to showcase his abilities on the biggest stage and realize his dream of playing in the NBA.
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Small forward from Malvern, PA
Malvern Preparatory School's basketball program has a rich history of success and player development, with the Friars competing in the Inter-Ac league, one of Pennsylvania's premier athletic conferences. The team has enjoyed recent triumphs, sharing or claiming the Inter-Ac title in 2020, 2022, and 2023. Malvern Prep's basketball alumni have gone on to play college basketball at various levels, including D1 and D3 institutions like UC Santa Barbara, Towson, Babson, Lafayette, Northeastern, and Catholic.
While the sources provided did not specify a small forward from Malvern, PA, the program's success and alumni placements indicate a strong basketball presence in the area. Malvern Prep's challenging non-league schedule, participation in top local showcases, and overnight trips to high-level tournaments contribute to their reputation and the development of their players.
Although the specific position of small forward was not mentioned, Malvern Preparatory School's basketball program has produced players who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, reflecting the program's emphasis on player development and success within the competitive Inter-Ac league. The school's basketball alumni network extends to various colleges, showcasing the program's ability to prepare and nurture talented players.
The Friars' recent successes in sharing or winning the Inter-Ac title further emphasize the program's competitiveness and the potential for players to emerge and make an impact. While the details of a small forward from Malvern, PA, remain elusive, Malvern Preparatory School's basketball program stands as a testament to the area's dedication to basketball excellence and player growth.
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Transition from Canada
Will Riley, a rising basketball star from Canada, has had a successful start to his career. The 6-foot-8-inch (some sources say 6-foot-9-inch) player has impressed many with his skills as a shooting guard and small forward. His ability to shoot, drive, handle the ball, and create plays has caught the attention of college recruiters across the US.
Riley moved from Canada to the US to play for the University of Illinois. He described the transition as "good for me"; the biggest difference he noticed was the physicality of the American game. To prepare for the new style of play, he put on 22 pounds before the start of the season. This, along with his natural talent, helped him make an impact on the court. In his freshman year, he averaged 12.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, appearing in all 35 games and starting nine.
Riley's performance in his freshman year at Illinois impressed NBA scouts, who noted his potential as a ball-handler and creator, as well as his IQ and ability to make reads. After just one year at Illinois, Riley decided to enter the 2025 NBA Draft, forgoing his final three years of eligibility. His decision to leave Champaign after a single season surprised some, but his talent and potential were clear, and he was projected to be a first-round pick.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Riley is a 6'8" small forward from Malvern, PA, who plays basketball for the University of Illinois.
Will Riley is ranked No. 23 in the country by 247Sports.
Will Riley weighs 195 pounds.
Will Riley is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
Will Riley is a versatile scorer with impressive shot-making abilities. He also possesses strong passing skills and has a high basketball IQ.
