Nothing But Will Power: Illini’s Freshman Sensation Loves Having March Madness Take Over Emotions

Illinois freshman wing Will Riley is enjoying having his first NCAA Tournament experience overcome his normal calm, cool and emotionless style on the court.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 22, 2025

MILWAUKEE — By the time the Illinois players and coaches were ready for Saturday’s closed practice session inside Fiserv Forum, Will Riley had seen his highlight reel, and-one bucket over and over again.

With 10 minutes and 40 seconds left in the NCAA Tournament first round matchup against Xavier, the Illini freshman maneuvered his body through two defenders on his way to a winding layup while . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Portal Kombat – March 30, 2025 Edition - #476

Listen

Mar 28 - Hr2 - S4Ep33 - Illini Seasons End

Listen

Mar 28 - Hr1 - S4Ep33 - Illini Seasons End

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Men’s Season Ends with Loss to Kentucky Wildcats - #475

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Women Win First NCAA Tourney Game Since March 2000 - #474

Listen

Mar 21 - Hr2 - S4Ep32 - Illini in NCAA Tourney

Listen

Mar 21 - Hr1 - S4Ep32 - Illini in NCAA Tourneys

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini 86-73 NCAA Tourney Victory over Xavier - #473

Listen

IlliniGuys NCAA Tournament Selection Bracket Breakdown Show - #472

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Smashed by Maryland Terrapins in the B1G Tourney - #471

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Iowa Hawkeyes in B1G Tourney Opener - #470

Listen

The Next 5 Years Are the Most Important in the History of Illini Athletics

Listen

IlliniGuys B1G Men’s Basketball Tournament Preview - #469

Listen

Mar 7 - Hr2 - S4Ep30 - Floyd Mayweather, Jimmy Johnson, Serena, LeBron & Game Predictions

Listen

Mar 7 - Hr1 - S4Ep30 - Illini vs Purdue, Illini Women in B1G Tourney, Illini NIL & the Next Cinderella

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2021 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.