Brad Underwood has added another future star to Illinois’ already strong roster ahead of the 2024-25 season. Five-star prospect Will Riley announced on Sunday at a ceremony in Ontario, Canada that he has committed to Illinois and made the decision to reclassify from 2025 to 2024.

Before making his decision, Riley made official visits to Kentucky, Arkansas and Alabama in addition to Illinois. Riley was recruited to Champaign by associate head coach Orlando Antigua, who previously recruited him at Kentucky when he was an assistant on John Calipari’s staff. After completing his visits, Riley announced a new top-five program list on June 10, including Illinois, Kentucky, Alabama, Arizona and the New Zealand Breakers of Australia’s NBL. Ultimately, Illinois impressed enough to become the front-runner for Riley and land his commitment.

Riley is a gifted scorer from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. The 6-foot-8 Canadian has been one of the top scorers in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) this year, averaging 21.4 points on a very strong 53.8% shooting. His shooting efficiency was on display in a May 17 performance in which he went off for 42 points while shooting 15-16 from the field, including 5-5 from three-point range. Riley can also finish well at the rim, making him a three-level scorer, which will only improve as he gets stronger and puts on muscle to his already long frame. Additionally, he handles the ball well and is able to facilitate for his teammates.

Riley will likely slot into the small forward position in Brad Underwood’s rotation and will be a strong candidate for the starting spot. Louisville transfer Tre White, returner Ty Rodgers and Mercer transfer Jake Davis will also compete for minutes on the wing with Riley next season. A potential starting lineup of guards Kylan Boswell and Kasparas Jakucionis, forward Ben Humrichous or Morez Johnson, center Tomislav Ivisic and Riley would be a brand new look for Illinois, but the combination of shooting, size and multi-level scoring will give the team a strong dose of offensive firepower and versatility to compete with next season. The team’s talent is unquestionably there, but the questions for the new-look squad will revolve around their cohesiveness and who will become their number-one scoring option.

Riley will likely be a one-and-done prospect and is currently projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. He will begin workouts at Illinois in July.

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