Top-20 recruit Will Riley names top 10 options
Will Riley, one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, has decided to take the next step in his recruitment and narrow down his list of options. Moving forward, the 6-foot-8 small forward out of The Phelps School (PA) will consider Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Kentucky, Michigan, UCLA, and Villanova; along with three professional routes — the G-League Ignite, NBL, and the London Lions.
To this point, On3’s No. 11 overall recruit has only taken a single official visit, to Arizona. He says he’s planning to take another to UCLA in April.
In ESPN’s latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft, Riley is projected as the No. 16th overall pick to the OKC Thunder. Considering he is currently in the 2025 high school class, Riley would need to reclassify to 2024, which would make him eligible for next year’s Draft due to his age.
Riley talks schools involved
In a recent interview with On3’s Jamie Shaw, Riley discussed several of the schools involved his college recruitment.
Arizona: “I really like the coaches and the program, and I like how they play. They obviously like me and I feel like my play style fits them. They like that I’m a tall guard. They’re positionless there, they let you play wherever you’re most comfortable and they keep the ball moving.”
Kentucky: “They’re a fantastic program and Coach (John) Calipari is a legend. And, they like my game. They’re trying to get me on campus for a visit. They’ve had a lot of guys go there. They like my intensity and my length.”
Duke: “They’re obviously a great program. It would be a good spot to be. They really like my game and how I play. I could go there and play behind and with a lot of other great players. They like that I have a high IQ and that I can read the floor at my size.”
Villanova: “They’re a great program. I’ve taken unofficial visits there and been to a couple of games. Their coach, Coach (Kyle) Neptune, really likes my game and their play style is also positionless. So I would be able to play my natural position.”
UCLA: “They’re a great school. I’ve been down there, but I have not been on an unofficial yet. We are trying to plan something.”
G-League Ignite: “I’m talking with the G-League program as well. I’ve talked to their coach three or four times, and we are staying in contact.
What he’s looking for in a school
“For me, it is going to come down to which situation I like the most,” he told Shaw previously. “When I go on my visits, I’m going to take in the people that are around me, the culture of the program, the coaches. I’ll look if it fits my play style and all that.
“I’m going to be looking for a team that plays me the way that I play. I don’t want to go somewhere that is going to stick me on the block, because of my height. I’m OK playing in the post a little bit, but I’m at my best with the ball in my hands, playing in ball screens, and creating and shooting.”