Will Riley wasn’t one of the best participant on the Preventing Illini however he could possibly be a steal if he slips within the 2025 NBA Draft.
In a polarizing and gifted NBA Draft class like 2025 is predicted to be, a handful of gamers will seemingly see their inventory slide both earlier than or on draft night time for causes each massive and small. Illinois freshman Will Riley will not be an ideal prospect, however he’s excellent at sure issues and is among the greatest “draft for match” gamers within the class.
After all, groups choosing the right participant obtainable can be extra seemingly to have a look at Copper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Tre Johnson, though, close to the top of the lottery or into the center of the primary spherical, Riley is a superb worth prospect.
Overshadowed by teammate Kasparas Jakucionis, Riley took dwelling Massive 10 Sixth Man of the 12 months honors and will play an analogous function all through his NBA profession.
- Age/Date of Beginning: 19 (February 10, 2006)
- Nationality: Canadian
- Peak/weight: 6-foot-8, 195lbs
- School: Illinois Preventing Illini
- Profession stats: 12.6 factors, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 43.2 FG%, 32.6 3PT%
- NCAA Event stats: 13.5 factors, 4.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 47.4 FG%, 42.9 3PT%
- Profession highs: 31 factors (vs. Japanese Illinois), 9 rebounds (vs. Minnesota, Alabama), 7 assists (vs. Minnesota)
- NBA comparability: Michael Porter Jr. (pre again harm)
Riley will not be the right prospect, however that doesn’t imply that he doesn’t have a transparent upside. He can drive to the rim and draw contact on the way in which, and shot a serviceable 72.5% from the free-throw line. His shot food regimen means that he has confidence in his potential to turn out to be a greater shooter, and he is ready to create house for himself each with and with out the ball.
In contrast to Porter Jr., he’s a talented and keen passer, though his function within the NBA would possibly decrease that. If he’s used as a spot-up shooter, he gained’t have many possibilities to make performs, though if he performs alongside a dunk menace, count on him to do an ideal job of discovering them.
He’s nice coming off screens and rising above defenders trying to disrupt his shot, though he wants to begin making them at a extra dependable clip. If he can discover the shot, it needs to be sufficient for him to have a protracted profession.
Whereas he appears strong coming off ball screens and as a spot-up shooter, bigger wings will have the ability to shut him down when (if) he works in isolation, so that may actually maintain him again, at the least to begin his profession.
The largest concern, nevertheless, is his protection. He has the dimensions and athleticism to be a strong defender, though he’s slightly slender.
On high of that, and we don’t use this phrase calmly, he appears to be a poor defender. His assignments simply slipped protection to get within the paint earlier than catching a cross. That’s extra than simply undisciplined, which most rookies are; he, at instances, was downright dangerous. If his scoring can overcome his defensive liabilities, it’s not a significant concern, however for now, when he’s capturing 32.6% from deep, it shouldn’t be taken with a grain of salt.
A workforce that wants scoring assist, has room for persistence, and an already-established protection could be an ideal touchdown spot. 4 groups stand out.
The Houston Rockets, who personal the Suns’ choose (what an asset!), could be a strong match, and he may compete with Cam Whitmore for a task transferring ahead. Nonetheless, the Rockets will seemingly have higher gamers on the board, as they’re anticipated to choose ninth total.
The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons additionally make sense. They’ve established scorers and a beginning unit, so Riley may come off the bench for a number of years, which might be excellent.
Each of these groups are additionally strong on protection, permitting his weaknesses to be hidden, if wanted.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, as one of the best workforce within the NBA, may draft anybody and make the match work. They’ll choose twenty fourth total. It’s onerous to think about Riley nonetheless being there when the Thunder choose, though they may simply commerce as much as land him, and if he hits his ceiling, he could be the right low-cost offseason addition.
