Illinois forward Will Riley became the 21st overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, originally chosen by the Utah Jazz. The pick was later involved in a trade that sent Riley to the Washington Wizards.
Although not the night’s biggest headline, Riley’s move drew attention from those familiar with his time in Champaign. He was one of two former Illinois players taken in the first round, the program’s first such occurrence since 2005. Riley’s selection capped a notable draft for Illinois basketball, further highlighting his rising stock and professional promise.
Wizards’ New Pick Will Riley Earns High Praise From Brad Underwood
The Washington Wizards added a promising young talent in Riley, acquiring the Illinois freshman in a trade involving the No. 21 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. A former five-star recruit from the Class of 2024, Riley arrives in Washington after a notable freshman campaign that saw him average 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 25.6 minutes per game. He shot 43.2% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood, who mentored Riley during his lone college season, spoke highly of the 6-foot-9 Canadian wing.
“He’s a very high IQ player, but he’s one of the elite, hard shot makers I’ve ever coached. Just has the ability to put the ball in the basket,” Underwood said. “I was fortunate as an assistant coach, and coached Michael Beasley, and I’ve said, Will’s the second best offensive player that I’ve coached.”
Just spoke to Illinois Head Coach Brad Underwood on New @WashWizards Will Riley (@WillRiley_7). “He’s a very high IQ player, but he’s one of the elite, hard shot makers I’ve ever coached. Just has the ability to put the ball in the basket. I was fortunate as an assistant coach,… pic.twitter.com/iDirT9v6Il
— Chris Miller 🎥🎙🏀 (@CMillsPXP) June 26, 2025
Underwood also posted on X,
“Proud is an understatement. Only the beginning,” as a nod to Riley’s draft-night moment.
Proud is an understatement. Only the beginning https://t.co/6RcSvFX7bx
— Brad Underwood (@CoachUnderwood) June 26, 2025
Riley’s college career started with a bang, scoring 31 points in his debut against Eastern Illinois and averaging 17.2 points over his first six games. However, his production dipped during the middle of the season, where he averaged just 7.1 points while shooting 29.9% from the field and only 16.3% from three across a 14-game stretch.
Still, Riley bounced back strong to close the year. Over Illinois’ final 15 games, he put up 15.9 points on 48.1% shooting while hitting 34.4% from long range. He also added 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game during that span.
He scored 20 or more points six times, including three performances in the final six contests. One of his key outings came in the NCAA Tournament, when he poured in 22 points against Xavier to help Illinois advance to the second round.
With Riley and Kasparas Jakučionis both selected in the 2025 first round, Illinois recorded its first-ever pair of one-and-done draft picks. This marked the program’s first dual first-round appearance since 2005 and the first time it had three first-rounders across two years since 1990.
Riley now turns his focus to NBA Summer League, scheduled for July 10-20 in Las Vegas, where he’s expected to play a featured role.
