Illinois freshman Will Riley is jumping to the NBA, declaring for the 2025 draft after just one college season.
The 6-foot-8 wing told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony about his decision Monday. He’s currently projected as the No. 15 pick.
Riley made quite an impression in his single season with the Fighting Illini, earning Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors while averaging 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
What makes his story even more interesting? He wasn’t even supposed to be in college this year.
Originally part of the 2025 high school class, the Kitchner, Ontario, native made a late decision to reclassify and enroll at Illinois early. Despite being younger than most of his teammates, he started 9 games and appeared in 35 contests.
His shooting numbers were solid for a freshman – 43.2% from the field, 32.6% from three, and 72.4% at the free throw line.
"I learned a lot through the season," Riley said. "I faced a lot of adversity, which helped me. When I was younger, I had no idea what it was like on the American basketball scene. That transition from Canada was good for me. The biggest difference was the physicality."
That physical adjustment required serious commitment. Riley put on 22 pounds before the season even started.
"NBA teams saw my potential as a ball handler and creator, my IQ, and my ability to make reads," he explained. "These are things you can’t teach. I got adjusted midway through the season and started to blossom."
Building for the NBA
At just under 200 pounds, Riley knows he needs to bulk up before hitting the pro ranks. The average NBA player at his height weighs about 217 pounds.
"I’m super keyed in on working on my body the next few months," said Riley, who feels underweight. "I’ll be locked in on putting the right things in my body. Getting stronger, consuming a lot of calories, improving my base to stay grounded."
Riley believes fans haven’t seen his full athletic potential yet.
"I grew late, so people haven’t quite seen how good of an athlete I actually am," he said. "I come from a high jump, and track and field background."
His work ethic certainly isn’t in question.
"I’m in the gym every day at 5 a.m., and then back again in the evening."
When it comes to NBA role models, Riley looks to players with similar builds.
"I like studying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Durant — players with similar body frames as mine. I watch how they get to their spots and create open looks. Those are guys you can’t stop. I aspire to be like them but also to be like myself. I have a unique game."
The 2025 NBA draft will be held June 25-26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
