Illinois Forward Will Riley Enters NBA Draft After Strong College Season

Will Riley, a 19-year-old forward from Illinois who reclassified from the Class of 2025, is preparing for the upcoming NBA Draft after completing a notable freshman season. Despite an early slump, Riley finished strong, averaging 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, and earned the Big Ten’s Sixth Man of the Year award, showcasing his scoring, playmaking, and versatility. He is widely regarded as a mid-to-late first-round pick and viewed as a high-ceiling, long-term NBA project who will benefit from developmental opportunities on teams like the Spurs or Thunder. At the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Riley has met with multiple NBA teams and expressed confidence and readiness for the next step in his career. Meanwhile, other prospects like Texas Tech's Darrion Williams are also navigating their draft decisions, with Williams considering returning to college while keeping options open. Additionally, the Chicago Bulls are actively interviewing various prospects at the combine as they build their draft board and evaluate fit for their roster and culture.