Illinois freshman wing Will Riley will enter the 2025 NBA draft, he announced on Instagram on Monday. He will join fellow freshman Kasparas Jakučionis as the second Illini to declare for the draft this week. Riley is a projected mid-to-late first-round pick.
“Thank you to the University of Illinois, the entire men’s basketball coaching staff, and the amazing Fighting Illini fans for an unforgettable season,” Riley wrote. “Wearing that jersey and representing this program has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Riley was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year after an impressive freshman campaign in which he mostly came off the bench until late in the season. After starting the season strong with a 31-point debut, Riley hit a midseason freshman wall, struggling to score or produce. However, that all changed heading into February.
In the final 15 games of the season, Riley shot 48% from the field, scored in double-figures 13 times and had five 20-point games. He also started the last nine games of the year. Riley was a main driver of the Illini offense during the final month of the season. He showcased his athleticism, ability to score at all three levels and all the potential NBA team’s want to see in a young wing. His defense has also noticeably improved.
Riley’s physical development was also very noticeable later in the season. He came to Champaign as a scrawny 18-year old who should have been going into his senior year of high school. By the end of the year, Riley had put on 20 pounds and looked much more comfortable with the physicality of college basketball and finishing through contact.
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“Over the past year, I’ve grown immensely-both as a player and a person,” Riley wrote. “To Coach Underwood and the coaching staff: thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and guiding me every step of the way. The relationships I’ve built with my teammates and the memories we’ve made together are something I’ll carry with me forever.”
Riley could come back to Illinois next season, but the possibility is slim. The Illini have likely offered him large amounts of their NIL budget to return, but as a projected first round pick, Riley will likely make more than he would if he returned to Champaign.
It was always Riley’s goal to be a one-and-done player. His re-class from 2026 to 2025 made it clear he was trying to get to the next level as soon as he could. Illinois’ strong pursuit of Italian wing Dame Sarr, who is thought to be a potential Riley-type replacement, indicates that the staff knew he would be moving on to the next level.
“Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of playing in the NBA,” Riley wrote. “That dream has fueled my passion and my commitment to the game. Now, I’m ready to take the next step and chase that dream at the highest level. No matter where this journey takes me, I’ll always be a Fighting Illini. This place, this community — it will forever be a part of who I am.”
Before the draft in late June, Riley will participate in team interviews, strength and agility drills, measurements and shooting drills at the NBA Draft Combine from May 11-18 in Chicago. Riley will also speak to the media and have the opportunity, if he decides, to participate in optional five-on-five scrimmages.
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