Will Riley wasn’t the best player on the Fighting Illini but he could be a steal if he slips in the 2025 NBA Draft.
In a polarizing and talented NBA Draft class like 2025 is predicted to be, a handful of players will likely see their stock slide either before or on draft night for reasons both large and small. Illinois freshman Will Riley is not a perfect prospect, but he’s very good at certain things and is one of the best “draft for fit” players in the class.
Of course, teams selecting the best player available will be more likely to look at Copper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Tre Johnson, although, near the end of the lottery or into the middle of the first round, Riley is a great value prospect.
Overshadowed by teammate Kasparas Jakucionis, Riley took home Big 10 Sixth Man of the Year honors and could play a similar role throughout his NBA career.
Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWill Riley key factsAge/Date of Birth: 19 (February 10, 2006)Nationality: CanadianHeight/weight: 6-foot-8, 195lbsCollege: Illinois Fighting IlliniCareer stats: 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 43.2 FG%, 32.6 3PT%NCAA Tournament stats: 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 47.4 FG%, 42.9 3PT%Career highs: 31 points (vs. Eastern Illinois), 9 rebounds (vs. Minnesota, Alabama), 7 assists (vs. Minnesota)NBA comparison: Michael Porter Jr. (pre back injury)
Will Riley’s strengths
Riley is not the perfect prospect, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a clear upside. He can drive to the rim and draw contact on the way, and shot a serviceable 72.5% from the free-throw line. His shot diet suggests that he has confidence in his ability to become a better shooter, and he is able to create space for himself both with and without the ball.
Unlike Porter Jr., he is a skilled and willing passer, although his role in the NBA might minimize that. If he’s used as a spot-up shooter, he won’t have many chances to make plays, although if he plays alongside a dunk threat, expect him to do a great job of finding them.
He is great coming off screens and rising above defenders looking to disrupt his shot, although he needs to start making them at a more reliable clip. If he can find the shot, it should be enough for him to have a long career.
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesWill Riley’s weaknesses
While he looks solid coming off ball screens and as a spot-up shooter, larger wings will be able to shut him down when (if) he works in isolation, so that will certainly hold him back, at least to start his career.
The biggest concern, however, is his defense. He has the size and athleticism to be a solid defender, although he is a little slender.
On top of that, and we don’t use this word lightly, he seems to be a poor defender. His assignments easily slipped coverage to get in the paint before catching a pass. That’s more than just undisciplined, which most rookies are; he, at times, was downright bad. If his scoring can overcome his defensive liabilities, it’s not a major concern, but for now, when he’s shooting 32.6% from deep, it should not be taken with a grain of salt.
Will Riley’s best NBA fits
A team that needs scoring help, has room for patience, and an already-established defense would be a great landing spot. Four teams stand out.
The Houston Rockets, who own the Suns’ pick (what an asset!), would be a solid fit, and he could compete with Cam Whitmore for a role moving forward. However, the Rockets will likely have better players on the board, as they are expected to pick ninth overall.
The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons also make sense. They have established scorers and a starting unit, so Riley could come off the bench for several years, which would be ideal.
Both of those teams are also solid on defense, allowing his weaknesses to be hidden, if needed.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, as the best team in the NBA, could draft anyone and make the fit work. They will pick 24th overall. It’s hard to imagine Riley still being there when the Thunder pick, although they could easily trade up to land him, and if he hits his ceiling, he would be the perfect low-cost offseason addition.