Wizards' Will Riley credits his family for jersey number inspiration

Rookie Will Riley will sport a new look to begin his career in the NBA after choosing to wear a new jersey number next season with the Washington Wizards.

Riley donned No. 7 last season as a freshman at Illinois and No. 15 in high school. He was forced to select another number after second-year guard Bub Carrington opted to switch from No. 8 to No. 7 following the departure of Patrick Baldwin Jr.

The 21st pick ultimately decided to go with No. 27 with the Wizards, becoming the third player in franchise history to wear it. He picked it, in part, because of his father, Ray.

“I was always No. 7 growing up,” Riley said on June 28. “My family, especially my dad, was always No. 2, so I just felt I was going to combine the two to make 27.”

Riley was the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year last season, 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 19-year-old logged two appearances with the Wizards in the NBA Summer League, averaging 10.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 58.3% shooting from the field. He finished off his stay with a 16-point performance on July 13.

Riley was a first-round pick because of his size, scoring potential and ability as a passer. The team was excited to add him in the draft and is eager to see him take the court next season.

Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Wizards news: Will Riley credits family for jersey number inspiration

Wizards’ Will Riley credits his family for jersey number inspiration

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