Will Riley, a five-star small ahead prospect, dedicated to Illinois, he introduced Sunday on social media. Riley chosen the Combating Illini over Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky and others.
Riley is the ninth-ranked prospect within the Class of 2025, per 247Sports. He has the choice to reclassify from the 2025 class to 2024 and will be a part of the Combating Illini this season, making it an vital scenario to watch over the subsequent few weeks.
Riley, a 6-foot-8 ahead from Canada, performed highschool basketball for The Phelps Faculty in Malvern, Pa. He’s the second participant to decide to Illinois within the 2025 class. Jeremiah Fears, a four-star level guard from Chandler, Ariz., dedicated to Illinois on Jan. 22.
Riley is the highest-rated prospect to decide to Illinois within the Brad Underwood period. Illinois superior to the Elite Eight final season earlier than shedding to eventual nationwide champions UConn.
What this implies for Illinois
Riley is the highest-ranked dedication in program historical past for the Combating Illini and has been one of many greatest inventory risers this summer season as he’s sixth on the Nike EYBL circuit in scoring at 21.9 factors per sport whereas grabbing 4.9 rebounds and dispensing 2.5 assists.
The Canadian prospect is likely one of the finest scorers within the nation and put the world on discover with a 42-point sport on 78.9 % capturing from the sphere together with six made 3s in opposition to Staff Durant in Might.
Riley has an opportunity to be a lottery decide, Illinois’ first since Meyers Leonard in 2012 and their tenth in program historical past.
The success and utilization of Terrance Shannon Jr. performed a significant component on this determination, because the potential NBA first-round decide performed with freedom offensively and was put in a scenario to showcase his skillset. Riley will be capable to do the identical after which some as he is a little more polished offensively on the identical age.
Additionally, the rent of former Kentucky assistant Orlando Antigua allowed Illinois to creep in late and in the end land the dedication.
Riley is a flexible quantity scorer who will current loads of issues for opposing defenses together with Fears. These two could possibly be the perfect freshman duo within the nation alongside Morez Johnson who can be a sophomore. Collectively, the three will present the Illini with a strong offensive punch and hold them in competition for Huge Ten and NCAA Match success. — Tobias Bass, school basketball recruiting author
(Picture: Cameron Browne / NBAE through Getty Photos)
