Former Illini Will Riley scores career high 18 points vs Sacramento Kings

Former Illinois basketball forward Will Riley had the best game of his young NBA career vs the Sacramento Kings. Riley, who just came out of another stint in the G-League, has started to earn more consistent minutes off the bench. In 30 minutes of action, Will Riley had 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Riley hit 4 out of his 8 three-point attempts. Ever since 2026 started, it seems that Riley is due for at least 18-25 minutes a night. He provides a major scoring punch off the bench and has playmaking ability to go with his length.

Will is an NBA-level talent, and he showed that immediately as he dominated the G-League anytime he was in there. With the Wizards starting their rebuild, look for Riley to get more opportunities to show how versatile his offensive package is. Will Riley is just 19 years old and turns 20 on February 10th. If he can continue to hone his three-point shooting and his ability to handle the ball, there is no doubt that Riley will have a long NBA career.

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