Will Riley is a Canadian basketball player born on February 10, 2006, recognized for his versatility and skill set as a small forward. Standing at 6'8" and weighing 180 pounds, Riley has the ideal size and agility to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Originally from Kitchener, Ontario, Riley attended several high schools, finishing his career at The Phelps School in Pennsylvania. His basketball journey gained momentum through his time with UPlay Canada, where he excelled in the EYBL, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Known for his basketball IQ, shooting ability, and playmaking, Riley became a top-ranked player, earning recognition at high school and international camps. He later committed to the University of Illinois, where his freshman year was marked by strong performances, earning accolades for scoring and rebounding.
Riley’s athleticism, court vision, and natural scoring ability set him apart, positioning him as one of the promising young talents in the game.
High School Career (2022-2024)
Will Riley began his high school career at Southwest Academy Prep in London, Ontario, before transferring to The Phelps School in Malvern, Pennsylvania, for his final two years. He quickly became one of the top-ranked Canadian prospects and was consistently ranked among the best players in his class, finishing as No. 9 overall by 247Sports, No. 10 by On3.com, and No. 11 by Rivals.com.
During his time with UPlay Canada in the EYBL, Riley averaged 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, earning the title of Offensive MVP of the EYBL Indy Session. He also became the MVP of the 2024 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp held during the NBA All-Star weekend, further cementing his reputation as one of the most promising high school talents.
College Career (2024-2025)
Riley committed to the University of Illinois on June 23, 2024, despite being originally part of the class of 2025, and made the bold decision to reclassify to 2024 to join earlier. This decision was marked by a significant achievement: Riley became the highest-ranked recruit in the history of Illinois basketball, surpassing previous records, including that of Dee Brown from the 2002 class.
During his freshman season in 2024-25, Riley earned the title of Big Ten Freshman of the Week on November 11, 2024, following a record-breaking 31-point debut, where he helped set the Illini freshman scoring record. Over the course of the season, Riley averaged 22.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in two Illinois wins. By the end of the regular season, Riley was honored as the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year and was also projected as a first-round draft pick for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Professional Career (2025-Present)
Riley was selected as the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz but was traded to the Washington Wizards shortly after. His combination of size, scoring ability, and versatility has made him a highly anticipated player for the Wizards.
Riley is expected to bring his high-level performance from college to the professional stage, particularly with his athleticism, shooting range, and ability to create offense. His transition to the NBA marks a pivotal moment in his career, with many experts projecting him to make an immediate impact on the court.
Will Riley has represented Canada on several significant stages in his career, beginning with his standout performances in high school and continuing into international competitions.
In 2024, Riley was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp held during the NBA All-Star weekend. This prestigious event brought together top young basketball prospects from around the world, and Riley's exceptional performances on both ends of the court solidified his position as one of the best young talents in Canada.
Riley's international career was further highlighted by his inclusion in Canada's national basketball programs. His skill set, highlighted by versatile scoring, rebounding, and playmaking ability, made him an asset in global competitions. As part of UPlay Canada, he showcased his talent during the EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League), where he played at a high level, averaging 21.9 points and leading his team to impressive performances.
Riley's success on the international stage, combined with his status as one of the top Canadian prospects, has set him up for further opportunities to contribute to Canada’s national basketball team in the future. His international performances have also helped raise his profile, making him one of the brightest young stars to represent Canada in basketball.
Will Riley is a small forward, a position that allows him to showcase his versatility on the court. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he uses his size to his advantage, blending athleticism with a smooth offensive game. Riley is known for his ability to score in multiple ways, making him a difficult matchup for defenders. While primarily playing on the wing, Riley has shown the capacity to play at both ends of the floor, making him a versatile player for any team. He excels in transition plays and is known for his ability to create opportunities both off the dribble and from the perimeter.
Riley's style is characterized by his all-around scoring ability, including an impressive pull-up jump shot, strong drives to the basket, and sharp three-point shooting. His defensive presence on the wing also highlights his well-rounded skills, making him a strong two-way player.
Will Riley was born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, and is passionate about his Canadian roots. Growing up, he had a strong family support system, and his journey into basketball was inspired by his family’s encouragement to pursue his dreams. Although basketball is his primary focus, Riley maintains a close relationship with his family, often acknowledging their role in his development both as a person and as an athlete.
Beyond basketball, Riley enjoys staying active in various ways. He has a strong interest in fitness, often working on his physical conditioning outside of basketball practice to improve his athleticism. Outside of the gym, Riley has a passion for video games and enjoys unwinding with friends, either online or in person. His love for technology also extends to a fascination with gaming and the latest gadgets.
While he keeps a low public profile on personal hobbies, his involvement in social activities during his time at Illinois and his connection with his teammates suggests that he enjoys bonding with others over shared experiences, whether it’s through team events or community outreach.
Riley’s commitment to education has always been important to him. As a student-athlete at The Phelps School and then at the University of Illinois, he balanced the rigorous demands of both academics and basketball. His decision to attend Illinois was driven by a desire to grow both on and off the court, aiming to achieve success academically alongside athletic prowess. His academic interests, while not widely discussed, are believed to lean towards sports management and business.
Will Riley has shown an interest in using his platform to give back to his community. In 2024, during his time at the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, he took part in mentoring young athletes and engaging in youth development programs, helping inspire the next generation of basketball players. His willingness to support others and his recognition of the importance of community-building have made him a role model for younger athletes, particularly in Canada and the U.S.
Riley’s involvement with various charitable organizations is expected to grow as his career progresses, as he’s shown a genuine desire to create positive change in the communities he’s been a part of.
As someone who has lived in both Canada and the U.S., Riley has developed a strong appreciation for different cultures. His time at the Basketball Without Borders camp exposed him to various cultures from around the world, giving him an appreciation for global diversity. Traveling with his team and engaging with people from different walks of life has fueled his interest in international cultures and global sports networks.
Riley also has a budding interest in photography, capturing moments during his travels or on the court, which adds another layer to his creative side.
Riley has shown a keen interest in fashion and personal style, often expressing himself through his choice of clothing and accessories. His style is casual yet fashionable, and he has been spotted wearing streetwear brands and keeping up with current fashion trends. As his career progresses, it’s possible he will develop a stronger personal brand both on and off the court, potentially branching into the world of athleisure or fashion collaborations.
Riley maintains a strong presence on social media, primarily through Instagram and Twitter, where he shares both his professional milestones and personal moments. His posts often include highlights from games, workout routines, and glimpses of his off-the-court lifestyle. This social media presence allows Riley to connect with his growing fanbase while promoting his personal values of hard work, dedication, and discipline.
At just 19 years old, Will Riley is still in the early stages of what promises to be a remarkable career in basketball. As of now, his legacy is not yet fully formed, but his incredible potential and early achievements have already made a strong impression within the basketball community.
Riley’s journey began with a highly successful high school career, where he earned recognition as the top-ranked Canadian prospect and made waves with his outstanding performances in EYBL and the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp. These early accolades highlighted his exceptional skill set, his offensive explosiveness, and his ability to compete at the highest level. At Illinois, Riley immediately showcased his talents, earning recognition as a Big Ten Freshman of the Week and later being named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.
However, it’s important to note that Riley is still in the process of building his legacy. His freshman season at Illinois was just the beginning, and his transition to the NBA will be a key chapter in shaping his future. Despite his early success, he is yet to establish long-term consistency or achieve the iconic milestones that define a legendary player. But with his remarkable work ethic, adaptability, and desire to improve, Riley has set the stage to become one of the NBA’s next great stars.
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