In Will Riley, the Illini add another talented player to the mix that is a 3-level scorer. The 5-star wing can play the 2, 3, or 4 offensively and can play with the ball or off the ball as a catch and shoot guy. Riley can score in bunches, hitting 3's, pull-ups, and floaters at a high level.
Defensively, he has great positional size and length which allow him to get deflections and block or alter shots.
His biggest issues will be strength and a 4-month crash course with Illini Strength and Conditioning Coach Adam Fletcher will be important.
The other issue will be keeping the other players happy. Riley wants to play, but so does Tre White and Ty Rodgers. With 10 players projected to get minutes, Brad Underwood will have to tweak his style of riding starters for 35-38 minutes and trust his bench.
Illini Crush Jackson State 113-55 #520
Listen
Illini Pound Rutgers for 35-13 Victory - #519
Listen
IlliniGuys Pregame LIVE & Halftime LIVE Sampler - Rutgers at Illini #518
Listen
IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular – FB vs Rutgers, BB Opener Coming, Women's BB Exhibition & Soccer Wins in B1G – S5Ep12 – 10.31.25
Listen
Illini Football Preview - Rutgers #517
Listen
Illini Fall to Huskies 42-25 - #516
Listen
Sports Spectacular - Illini FB Clash with Washington & Illini BB Ready for Tipoff - S5Ep11 - 10.24.25
Listen
Illinois Football Preview - Washington #515
Listen
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Orlando Antigua
Listen
Illini BB vs ISU & FB Coaching Openings #514
Listen
IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - Illini Recruiting Updates - S5Ep10 - 10.17.25
Listen
Sturdy’s Illini Hoops Thoughts & More - #513
Listen
Illini Mistakes Costly in 34-16 Loss to Ohio State #512
Listen
IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - #1 tOSU at #17 Illini - S5Ep9 - 10.10.25
Listen
I on the Illini - The B1G & Private Equity with Tony Altimore #511
Listen