Riley Earns Second Big Ten Freshman of The Week Nod

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois forward Will Riley is Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

  • Riley led the Illini in a pair of games last week, averaging 20.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field, including 45.5% from 3-point range.
  • Scored team-high 24 points in the comeback win over Ohio State, making 7-9 shots and a career-high nine free throws on 12 attempts, along with three rebounds.
  • His 24 points tie the most by a freshman off the bench in a conference game this season.
  • Scored 20 of his 24 in the second half, as Illinois overcame an 11-point deficit against the Buckeyes to storm back for the win.
  • Opened the week with 16 points while knocking a game-high four 3-pointers and had four rebounds at Nebraska.
  • Scored 13 consecutive points for the Illini during the second-half comeback in Lincoln, helping push the game into overtime.

Riley earns his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week award to go along with recognition following the opening week of the season when he broke the Illini freshman debut scoring record with 31 points vs. Eastern Illinois.

Podcasts

Illini Men's Hoops - Stop the 3's & Where Does the Buck Stop - Illini Women's Hoops - Big Week Ahead & Super Bowl and NFL GOAT Thoughts

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Lose 79-65 to Michigan State, Izzo Sets B1G Record - #462

Listen

Feb 14 - Hr2 - S4Ep27 - 4-Star Illini LB Commit Cam Thomas, Super Bowl Recap & Illini Legend Luther Head

Listen

Feb 14 - Hr1 - S4Ep27 - Michigan State Showdown, Kofi & TSJ Jerseys Honored & Illini Legend Deon Thomas

Listen

Illini Legend Luther Head Talks Illini Basketball & More - #461

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Rugged UCLA Bruins 83-78 at Home - #460

Listen

Riley & Jakucionis Lead Illini to 95-74 Road Win over Minnesota- #459

Listen

Feb 7 - Hr2 - S4Ep26 - Matt Stevens, ACC Hoops, Paul Crane & Super Bowl Predictions

Listen

Feb 7 - Hr1 - S4Ep26 - Illini Men's & Women's Hoops, Kent Brown's Book & Best Super Bowl Performances

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Cam Thomas 2026 4-Star Illini LB Commit

Listen

Poor 1st Half Start Sinks the Fighting Illini vs Rutgers - #458

Listen

Ivisic Returns, 5-Star CB Commits to Illini, Shauna Green Leads Illini to 17-5, Luka Traded & Super Bowl Prediction

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini 2nd Half Rally Sinks Ohio State Buckeyes - #457

Listen

Jan 31 - Hr2 - S4Ep25 - Ked's Recruiting Roundup, Jerry Palm of CBS & Game Predictions

Listen

Jan 31 - Hr1 - S4Ep25 - RIP Efrem, Bostic's Record, Bruce Douglas & Mike Small

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.