Will Riley, a five-star small forward prospect, committed to Illinois, he announced Sunday on social media. Riley selected the Fighting Illini over Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky and others.
Riley is the ninth-ranked prospect in the Class of 2025, per 247Sports. He has the option to reclassify from the 2025 class to 2024 and could join the Fighting Illini this season, making it an important situation to monitor over the next few weeks
Riley, a 6-foot-8 forward from Canada, played high school basketball for The Phelps School in Malvern, Pa. He is the second player to commit to Illinois in the 2025 class. Jeremiah Fears, a four-star point guard from Chandler, Ariz., committed to Illinois on Jan. 22.
Riley is the highest-rated prospect to commit to Illinois in the Brad Underwood era. Illinois advanced to the Elite Eight last season before losing to eventual national champions UConn.
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What this means for Illinois
Riley is the highest-ranked commitment in program history for the Fighting Illini and has been one of the biggest stock risers this summer as he is sixth on the Nike EYBL circuit in scoring at 21.9 points per game while grabbing 4.9 rebounds and dishing out 2.5 assists.
The Canadian prospect is one of the best scorers in the country and put the world on notice with a 42-point game on 78.9 percent shooting from the field including six made 3s against Team Durant in May.
Riley has a chance to be a lottery pick, Illinois’ first since Meyers Leonard in 2012 and their 10th in program history.
The success and usage of Terrance Shannon Jr. played a major factor in this decision, as the potential NBA first-round pick played with freedom offensively and was put in a situation to showcase his skillset. Riley will be able to do the same and then some as he is a bit more polished offensively at the same age.
Also, the hire of former Kentucky assistant Orlando Antigua allowed Illinois to creep in late and ultimately land the commitment.
Riley is a versatile volume scorer who will present a lot of problems for opposing defenses along with Fears. Those two could be the best freshman duo in the country alongside Morez Johnson who would be a sophomore. Together, the three will provide the Illini with a powerful offensive punch and keep them in contention for Big Ten and NCAA Tournament success. — Tobias Bass, college basketball recruiting writer
