Will Riley Declares for 2025 NBA Draft

Illinois freshman wing Will Riley has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, following a season where he averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Named the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, Riley showcased significant growth throughout the season, particularly in the latter half, where he averaged nearly 16 points and demonstrated his potential as a versatile scorer. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Riley made headlines as a top recruit when he reclassified to join Illinois early. His decision to enter the draft aligns with teammate Kasparas Jakucionis, and both players are projected to be first-round picks, marking a historic moment for the Illinois basketball program. Riley expressed his determination to enhance his physical conditioning ahead of the draft, emphasizing the need to adapt to the physicality of American basketball. The potential success of Riley and Jakucionis could lead to Illinois having first-round selections in consecutive years for the first time since the early 2000s.