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

548 Illini Strangle Penn State 73-65

Listen

1.2.26 - Music City Champs, Basketball Rolling & Why the SEC is Overrated

Listen

547 Portal Kombat Day 1 & CFP Thoughts

Listen

546 - Illini Beat Tennessee in Music City Bowl

Listen

545 - Illini Beat Tennessee in Music City Bowl

Listen

544 - Illini Smash Southern 90-55

Listen

543 Illini Football Preview Tennessee Volunteers Part II

Listen

542 IlliniGuys 2025 Illini Year in Review

Listen

541 Illini Football Preview - Tennessee Volunteers

Listen

12.26.25 - Music City Bowl, Braggin' Rights Massacre & CFP Predictions

Listen

540 The Illini Execute the Braggin' Rights Massacre

Listen

12.19.25 - Illini FB in Music City Bowl, BB December Miscues & CFP Predictions

Listen

539 Remembering Mike White with Chris White & David Williams

Listen

538 - Illini Upset 83-80 by Nebraska

Listen

12.12.25 - Illini BB Over Vols, FB Commit Michael Clayton, Jr & Michigan Fiasco

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:

© 2025 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.