Image Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Will Riley Draft Projection- Where Will Canadian Small Forward Land in the 2025 NBA Draft?

Which team will pick Will Riley in 2025 NBA Draft?

Image Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Will Riley, the highest-ranked recruit signed by Illinois, is set to step into the professional era as he appears in the 2025 NBA Draft. After attending Grand River Collegiate Institute and Preston High School, he went to Southwest Academy Prep in London. Later, he moved to The Phelps School in Malvern, Pennsylvania and completed the final two years of his high school there. He was ranked No. 9 overall by 247Sports, No. 10 by On3, and No. 11 by Rivals in the Class of 2025.

A top-ranked Canadian prospect in the 2025 NBA Drafts, Riley was selected Offensive MVP of the EYBL Indy Sessions while he was playing for UPlay Canada. During that time, he averaged 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during that tenure. After getting offers from 17 big conference schools, Riley chose to play for Illinois. In his freshman season with the institute, he averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per contest while playing 25.7 minutes per game.

While far from a finished product, NBA teams view Will Riley as a significant long-term talent. He is a 6'8 versatile scorer with shot-making prowess who shows impressive flashes creating shots for himself and others, with polished scoring instincts and creativity as a passer. https://t.co/4lbLJeoThU pic.twitter.com/TLjcyNCkrs
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025

Will Riley Scouting Report- Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

A strong driver with the ability to withstand contact, Riley knows how to create shot opportunities. He is also a skilled passer who knows how to deliver eye-catchy dimes and make one-handed passes for cuts, lobs, and kickouts.
An active mover off the ball, Riley has a great sense of timing and as well as awareness to relocate behind the arc.
He is confident to make smart passes within the flow of offense, displaying good vision.
Riley is effective in the triple-threat position, showing patience and intelligence in making opportunities for himself and others.

Weaknesses

He is inconsistent in shooting from behind the arc, which limits his scoring reliability. He made only 32.6% of his 3s and 72.4% of his free throws.
Weighing 186 pounds, Riley needs to put on weight to improve his rebounding and finishing near the rim.
His defensive skills remain a concern, and it is unclear how he will consistently contribute defensively.

Will Riley Stats and Achievements

Riley finished his freshman season with an average of 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He played in 35 games, while starting in nine contests.

He was named the first Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the 2024-25 season on the back of 22.5 points, and 7.0 rebounds per game. With his performance, Riley secured the Illini freshman scoring record.
The 19-year-old received the first Big Ten Freshman of the Week twice more.
After the conclusion of the Big Ten regular season’s conclusion, he was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.

Will Riley 2025 NBA Draft Projection

The Kitchener-native has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts. These qualities make him an expected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

2025 NBA Draft

Will Riley

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.