In a significant move for the world of college basketball, University of Illinois freshman standout Will Riley has announced his intention to enter the 2025 NBA Draft. Recognized as the Big Ten Conference Sixth Man of the Year, Riley made this decision public on Monday, choosing to forego his remaining three years of collegiate eligibility. His announcement coincides with teammate Kasparas Jakucionis, who also declared for the draft earlier the same day. This development raises questions about the future direction of Illinois basketball, including its involvement in player transfers, ongoing recruitment efforts, and more.

Riley shared his reflections on the past season, emphasizing the personal growth he experienced both on and off the court. “The challenges I faced during the season taught me so much,” he explained. “Coming from Canada, adapting to American basketball was crucial for my development. The most noticeable difference was the physical intensity of the game.” To prepare for this transition, Riley bulked up by adding 22 pounds before the season began. He noted that NBA scouts were particularly impressed by his skills as a playmaker, his basketball intelligence, and his capacity to make quick decisions—qualities he believes are innate and cannot be easily taught.

Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Riley established himself as a key contributor for the Fighting Illini. Over the course of 35 games, where he started nine matches, he averaged 12.6 points per game, grabbed 4.1 rebounds, and dished out 2.2 assists. Playing an average of 25.7 minutes per contest, he maintained a solid shooting percentage of 43.2% from the field. His performance highlighted not only his technical abilities but also his adaptability and resilience throughout the season.

Riley's departure marks a turning point for the Illinois basketball program, as he becomes the sixth player from the 2024-25 roster to leave. In addition to Jakucionis opting for the draft, teammates Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Tre White, Morez Johnson Jr., and Carey Booth have all entered the transfer portal. These changes underscore the evolving landscape of college athletics, where players frequently reassess their career paths based on professional opportunities or academic pursuits.

The ripple effects of Riley's decision extend beyond just one individual player. As Illinois basketball navigates this period of transition, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor how the team addresses these departures through strategic recruiting and potential additions via the transfer market. With several key contributors leaving, the program must now focus on rebuilding while maintaining its competitive edge in the highly demanding Big Ten Conference.