Will Riley Bio
Will Riley is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A small forward, he stands 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) tall and weighs about 180 lb (82 kg), and he wears jersey number 27 for the Wizards. Born on February 10, 2006, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Riley entered the NBA after a single season of college basketball with the Illinois Fighting Illini and was a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Early Life and Background
William Riley was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, where he first developed his basketball skills. Growing up in a strong Canadian hoops environment, he began to attract attention as a teenager, eventually playing at multiple high school programs. His size and versatility made him a notable prospect in youth basketball circles long before he reached the college level.
Riley attended Southwest Academy Prep in London, Ontario, with brief stops at Preston High School in Cambridge, Ontario, and Grand River Collegiate Institute in Kitchener. He finished his high school career with two years at The Phelps School in Malvern, Pennsylvania, a program known for developing top recruits. During his time in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), he averaged 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, earning Offensive MVP honors at the EYBL Indy Session while starring for UPlay Canada. In 2024, he was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during NBA All-Star weekend, further raising his profile.
Path to Basketball
Riley was widely regarded as one of the top recruits in his class. He was ranked as the top Canadian prospect and No. 9 overall by 247Sports, No. 10 by On3, and No. 11 by Rivals in the class of 2025. On June 23, 2024, he committed to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, choosing to reclassify from the 2025 class to the 2024 class in order to join the program a year earlier. At the time of his signing, he was the highest-ranked recruit signed by Illinois in the internet era, surpassing Dee Brown from the class of 2002.
His path to the next level was accelerated by a strong freshman year at Illinois. On November 11, 2024, he became the first Big Ten Freshman of the Week of the 2024–25 season after averaging 22.5 points and seven rebounds in two Illinois wins, while also setting the Illini freshman scoring record. He went on to receive the award twice more and later declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, earning an invitation to the green room.
Will Riley Career
Early Career (2024–2025)
Riley’s only college season at Illinois showcased his scoring ability and his willingness to make an impact off the bench. Despite starting the year as a reserve, his offensive production was consistent enough to earn league-wide recognition. His averages and highlight-reel performances against Big Ten competition quickly placed him among the most discussed freshmen in the country.
At the conclusion of the Big Ten regular season, he was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, becoming one of the most decorated freshmen in the conference that year. Following the season, he declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, received a green room invitation on June 16, and cemented his status as a lottery-level prospect.
Illinois Fighting Illini Breakthrough (2024–2025)
During his lone season with the Illinois Fighting Illini, Riley provided scoring punch from the wing and helped the program secure key conference wins. He became the first Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the 2024–25 season and set the program’s freshman scoring record during a standout two-game stretch. His production continued throughout conference play, where opposing defenses struggled to contain his combination of size and perimeter skill.
His season culminated with Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors, validating his decision to reclassify and join Illinois a year ahead of schedule. The recognition also helped solidify his place among the top prospects heading into the 2025 NBA Draft.
Washington Wizards Era (2025–Present)
Riley was selected 21st overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz and was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards. He made his professional debut on October 22, 2025, scoring two points in a 133–120 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. The early part of his rookie season focused on adjusting to the pace, physicality, and defensive demands of the NBA.
As the season progressed, Riley emerged as one of the most productive rookies in the league. On April 5, 2026, he became the first Wizards rookie since Calbert Cheaney in February 1994 to record consecutive 30-point games. In the same stretch, he also became the youngest player since LeBron James in 2004 to record at least 30 points and five steals in a single game. These performances highlighted his scoring upside and two-way potential as he continued to expand his role with the Wizards.
Driving Style and Strengths
Will Riley’s style of play is built around his length, smooth perimeter scoring, and comfort creating offense from the wing. At 6 ft 9 in, he combines the size of a forward with the skill set of a guard, allowing him to score from multiple levels and defend multiple positions. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has been a defining trait throughout his time in high school, college, and the NBA.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Riley’s signature moments, his consecutive 30-point games as a rookie with the Wizards stand out as a defining milestone in his young career. Becoming the first Washington rookie to accomplish that feat since Calbert Cheaney in 1994, and matching a benchmark previously reached by LeBron James in 2004, placed his name among elite company and signaled his arrival as a long-term NBA contributor.
Will Riley Career Wins
While Will Riley’s professional career is still in its early stages, his résumé already includes significant accolades and statistical milestones. His Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award, his role as a first-round draft pick, and his record-setting rookie performances with the Washington Wizards underline a player who has consistently delivered at each level.
College and NBA Highlights
During his single season at Illinois, Riley captured Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors and was a three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week. He set the Illini freshman scoring record and was the highest-ranked recruit signed by Illinois in the internet era. In the NBA, his consecutive 30-point games as a rookie set a new benchmark for Washington and made league-wide history.
Other Wins and Performances
At the high school level, Riley was named Offensive MVP of the EYBL Indy Session while playing for UPlay Canada and earned MVP honors at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp. These achievements helped establish him as one of the most decorated Canadian prospects in recent memory before his college and professional careers began.
Will Riley Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Will Riley was raised in Kitchener, Ontario, in a Canadian household that supported his basketball development from a young age. While public details about his parents and immediate family remain limited, his Canadian roots and pathway through Ontario-based high school programs reflect the supportive environment in which he grew up.
Personal Life
Riley is currently focused on his rookie season with the Washington Wizards and continues to develop as a professional athlete. He is known publicly by his given name William Riley and maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his NBA journey. Personal details about his relationships and family life beyond his upbringing in Kitchener remain private.
2025 Season Performance
Will Riley’s 2025 season was defined by his transition from elite Canadian prospect to first-round NBA draft pick. After being selected 21st overall by the Utah Jazz and traded to the Washington Wizards, he began the year adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional game. His October debut against the Milwaukee Bucks offered a first look at his poise and scoring instincts at the NBA level.
As the season continued, Riley’s role with the Wizards expanded, and he began delivering standout performances on a regular basis. His late-season surge, capped by consecutive 30-point games and a historic 30-point, five-steal outing, positioned him as a leading candidate for All-Rookie recognition. His development under the Wizards’ coaching staff signaled a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Looking ahead, the 2025 rookie campaign served as the launching point for Riley’s NBA career. With his combination of size, skill, and emerging two-way impact, expectations remain high for his continued growth and his role in shaping the next era of Washington Wizards basketball.
