Already considered a rising star, Will Riley continues making waves for all the right reasons. The Canadian college basketball player, who was born on Feb. 10, 2006, played for the Big Ten Conference’s Illinois Fighting Illini during the 2024-25 season. He is viewed as a long-term prospect who could be a favorite in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Riley, who briefly attended Grand River Collegiate Institute and Preston High School, eventually transferred to Southwest Academy Prep in London, Ontario, Canada. Looking to further his basketball dreams, he later moved to The Phelps School in Malvern, Pa., where he spent his final two high school years. Throughout his journey, Riley’s family has provided unwavering support that proved instrumental to his development.
Who Are Will Riley’s Parents and Siblings?
Riley’s parents have been a massive catalyst for his overall growth. His father, Ray Riley, was a track and field athlete during his high school days, and his mother, Tracy Hooks Riley, played hockey in high school, as reported by Sam Lance of ZAGSBLOG.com. Their combined support laid the foundation for Will’s rapid ascent in basketball.
Will is the youngest of four children, with three older sisters: Ashleigh, Justine, and Brittany. The sisters have been supportive throughout his basketball journey, providing both encouragement and healthy competition that helped drive his development.
Riley’s Legacy in the Big 10 With the Fighting Illini
Riley demonstrated serious talent during his freshman season at Illinois. In 2024-25, he averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 25.6 minutes across 35 games. Though Riley typically came off the bench, he consistently provided a spark for the Fighting Illini when called upon.
His steady improvement throughout the season earned him Big Ten Conference Sixth Man of the Year honors. Riley and his team finished the season with a record of 22-13 overall and 12-8 in Big Ten play, tying for a seventh-place conference finish.
The Fighting Illini qualified for the NCAA Tournament as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region, where they defeated Xavier 86-73 in the first round before falling to Kentucky 84-75 in the second round.
In his final game with the Fighting Illini, Riley contributed five points, five rebounds, and one assist in 26 minutes against Kentucky, capping off what many consider a successful freshman campaign.
Top-10 2025 prospect Will Riley just went OFF tonight against The Family EYBL 17u, finishing with 30 PTS. 🎯
Recently cut his list down to 5: Kentucky, Arizona, Arkansas, NBL, & Alabama. pic.twitter.com/Hhvw7k2sI3
— Recruits Zone (Blake Smith) (@recruitszone) May 4, 2024
Riley declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on April 14, 2025, and has been the subject of considerable discussion among draft analysts. According to various mock drafts, Riley is projected to be selected in the first round, with PFSN’s latest mock draft having him going No. 27 overall to the Brooklyn Nets.
However, his relative inexperience at the college level may lead to a developmental role early in his professional career, whether that comes in the NBA or the NBA G League, at least initially.
The 6-foot-8 forward from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, originally reclassified from the Class of 2025 to 2024 to join Illinois a year early. He was ranked as the top Canadian prospect and 20th overall by 247Sports in his recruiting class. During his high school career, Riley earned MVP honors at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during NBA All-Star Weekend, further establishing his credentials as an elite prospect.
