Washington Wizards rookie Will Riley credited his teammates for pushing him every day on the court to improve and compete for rotation minutes early in training camp.
Riley was the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year last season at Illinois, averaging 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 43.2% shooting from the field as a freshman. He made nine starts, finishing third on the team in scoring after registering six 20-point performances.
The 21st pick has consistently earned rave reviews from several players for his energy and intensity in practice. He wanted to come into training camp and help set the tone, and believes they have helped him perform at a high level in the early going.
“I feel like, as a rookie, it is not cool to have your ‘cool guy’ hat on and just come in like you’re something you’re not,” Riley said. “I feel like you got to really show them and show them you’re not going to stand down and you’re just going to keep going.”
Riley has been a full participant with the Wizards in practice after he was limited to two appearances in summer league with a thumb injury. He has enjoyed the opportunity to build chemistry with his teammates during training camp to ensure a smooth start to the season.
The 19-year-old Canadian is relishing the chance to carve out a role for himself at the wing position. The group projects to be among their deepest position, with the likes of Khris Middleton, Justin Champagnie and Cam Whitmore on the roster.
Riley wants to showcase his overall ability and skill set, and if he can do that consistently in practice and preseason, he believes he’ll have a productive rookie campaign.
“I feel like (I’m) just competing and playing my game, showing I can do a bunch of different things: Shoot, rebound, play defense,” Riley said. “I feel like that is my biggest key factor that I’m really working on is my defense, getting stronger and showing I can do a bunch of different things.”