Will Riley, Former Kentucky Target, Commits to Illinois for 2024-25 Season
In a major win for the Illinois Fighting Illini, five-star Canadian wing Will Riley officially committed to the program for the 2024–25 season, bypassing powerhouse schools like Kentucky, Alabama, and Arizona. Riley, who was previously in the class of 2025, reclassified to join Illinois immediately, bringing a high-impact presence to the court and earning the title of the highest-ranked recruit in the school’s modern history.
Riley’s commitment was a significant blow to Kentucky, who had been aggressively recruiting the elite forward. The 6-foot-8 star also turned down an offer from the New Zealand Breakers of the NBL, opting instead for college basketball. His decision paid off quickly for Illinois.
During his freshman season, Riley made a strong impression, appearing in all 35 games and starting eight. He averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, earning him the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors. His standout moment came in the NCAA Tournament first round, where he set an Illinois freshman record with 22 points in a win over Xavier.
Despite a tough second-round loss to Kentucky — where Riley scored just five points on 1-for-7 shooting — he remained one of the tournament’s breakout stars. After the season, Riley declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, where he is projected to be selected in the mid-to-late first round.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who once hoped to land Riley, had high praise after facing him in the tournament. “He’s a beautiful kid with a beautiful family,” Pope said. “He’s going to be a big-time pro.”
With his college legacy just beginning, Riley’s future looks bright both in the NCAA record books and at the next level
in the NBA.
