The Oklahoma City Thunder already have a roster stacked with young talent, but it seems like they’ll be adding another player in the upcoming NBA draft. According to Fox Sports’ John Fanta, the Thunder will select Will Riley out of the University of Illinois, with the 15th pick of the draft.
This season, Riley has been consistently getting better, especially as of late. He is averaging 11.6 points, four rebounds, and two assists per game, while shooting 41% from the floor. He has also had a 27 point, nine rebound, seven assist game against Minnesota, and a 24 point game against Ohio State this past month of February.
In a scouting report from Sports Illustrated’s Jason Lagendorf, Riley could end up being great, but his physical build has people questioning his NBA-readiness.
“On the floor, Riley has an elite package of guard skills in a forward’s frame, with almost limitless offensive upside…The NBA is quite obviously a goal, but is Champaign a way station on that journey or a place to build a foundation? Riley’s defense (like most freshmen) needs a lot of work, as does his thin, 18-year-old frame,” Lagendorf wrote.
From how he writes, Langendorf creates the idea that Riley could be a smaller Kevin Durant. Great scorer, but not much physical strength.
If the Thunder do select Riley, they’ll have a good scorer ready to come off the bench to give stars like Jalen Williams and Lugentz Dort time to breathe, and then come back in.
Will Riley is an emerging basketball prospect who has been making waves with his impressive skill set and high potential. Standing at 6’8”, he is known for his versatile offensive game, combining elite scoring ability with strong playmaking skills. His limitless offensive upside has caught the attention of scouts and analysts, making him a highly sought-after talent in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Riley’s game is defined by his smooth shooting stroke, ability to create shots off the dribble, and exceptional court vision. He has showcased his scoring versatility, excelling from beyond the arc, in the mid-range, and at the rim. His athleticism and length allow him to be an impactful presence on both ends of the floor, making him a potential game-changer for any team looking to add a dynamic offensive weapon.
As the draft approaches, speculation is growing about where Riley will land and how his game will translate to the NBA level. With teams always looking for young, high-upside players, he could become a cornerstone piece for a rebuilding franchise or a key addition to a playoff contender. If he continues to develop his skill set and improve his defensive consistency, Riley has the potential to become a star in the league.
