Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Will Riley
Position: Guard/Forward
School: Illinois
Class: Freshman
Height/Weight: 6'8", 180 lbs
Birthdate: February 10, 2006
High School: Phelps Prep (PA)
Player Overview
Will Riley is a raw but intriguing prospect with significant long-term upside. His physical profile, featuring great positional size and solid lateral and vertical athleticism, sets the foundation for his versatility. Riley thrives as a three-level scorer, displaying promising shooting mechanics and the ability to attack the rim with long strides. Offensively, he excels in the triple-threat position, creating space and making intelligent decisions while waiting for ball screens.
Despite his promise, Riley is still developing key areas of his game. His three-point shooting is streaky, and he tends to force mid-range shots, which impacts his efficiency. On defense, his “tweener” status raises questions about which positions he can effectively guard at the next level. Additionally, his lack of strength limits his rebounding and finishing ability. However, with added weight and refinement, Riley’s ceiling as a versatile scoring wing is undeniable.
"The NBA loves 6'8" versatile wings, and Riley’s ability to handle the ball and score in multiple ways at his size aligns perfectly with what teams are looking for. While he still needs to develop his body and refine his game, his upside is substantial." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Positional Size: At 6'8", Riley’s size gives him versatility on both ends of the floor.
Shooting Mechanics: Displays smooth mechanics with the potential to become a consistent threat from deep.
Offensive Creativity: Effective in the triple-threat position, showing patience and intelligence in creating opportunities.
Connective Passing: Makes smart passes within the flow of the offense, demonstrating good vision.
Drives with Purpose: Attacks the basket with long strides and confidence.
Concerns
Streaky Shooter: Inconsistent three-point shooting limits his current scoring reliability.
Forced Mid-Range Shots: Frequently settles for contested mid-range attempts, impacting his efficiency.
Lack of Strength: Needs to add weight to improve rebounding and finishing near the rim.
Defensive Role: Unclear how he will consistently contribute defensively at the next level.
Questions
Can Riley develop consistent shooting from long range to become a reliable floor spacer?
Will adding strength improve his finishing ability and defensive versatility?
What role will best suit him defensively at the NBA level?
Bottom Line
Will Riley is an athletic and versatile forward with intriguing scoring potential and the physical tools to impact the game at both ends of the floor. While he remains raw in several areas, particularly with his shooting consistency and defensive role, his long-term upside makes him a prospect worth monitoring. Continued development in strength, shooting, and decision-making will be key to transition to the professional level.
Stay ahead of the game! Check out the Babcock Hoops 2025 NBA Draft Big Board to discover the top-ranked prospects and their potential draft positions.