Social Media Reacts to Illinois' Will Riley Being Drafted by Washington Wizards

Riley, coming off a decorated freshman season, was selected in the first round by the Wizards to set off social media

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Will Riley stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 21st pick by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Illinois didn't have to wait long after the drafting of its first-ever one-and-done player for the next one to come off the board. After Illini freshman Kasparas Jakucionis was selected by the Miami Heat with the No. 20 pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft, teammate and classmate Will Riley went to the Washington Wizards one pick later (conveyed by Utah).

Canada's Riley, another standout global talent for the Illini, made a significant impact during his lone season in Champaign. Initially coming off the bench for coach Brad Underwood’s squad, he steadily earned a larger role and finished the year as a key starter. Over the course of the 2024-25 season, Riley averaged an impressive 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists, showcasing his versatility and growth on both ends of the floor.

The versatile 6-foot-8 wing turned heads throughout the season, flashing high-level potential with his combination of length, fluid athleticism and elite shot-making ability – traits that made Riley an intriguing prospect for NBA scouts. Being selected by the Wizards gives Riley a valuable opportunity to develop and play through mistakes with limited pressure, as Washington (18-64 and last place in the Eastern Conference last season) figures to be at least a couple of years away from contending.

Basketball fans on social media had plenty to say about Riley and the pick, and the buzz was immediate. Here are some of the more memorable responses:

Fashion icon?

I’ll give Will Riley a 8/10 for Draft Night fit. pic.twitter.com/8eSTZeD9NC

— Cody Delmendo (@cody_illini) June 26, 2025

Underwood's Europeans

#illini Hoops. Thats the standard now.

Seeing Brad Underwood hugging both families and what success can look like coming to Champaign. pic.twitter.com/d1RPjmHIER

— Ryan Evan Schroat (@200ColumnsRy) June 26, 2025

Will Riley gets the congratulations from #Illini head coach Brad Underwood after being taken No. 21 overall in the NBA Draft.

(Photo from AP) pic.twitter.com/WlxPgIDAOv

— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) June 26, 2025

Wizards fans are feeling the pick

Will Riley I love it bro, his offense is super legit.

Genuinely potential as a 3 level scorer. Projects as a shooter and moves well offball.

The defense is a big concern, very concerning STOCKS numbers but with his size (6'9) you hope he can figure it out

— wonzo🧀 (@WonzoTV) June 26, 2025

This kid #WillRiley can hoop. If he has TIME, he could be a great addition #WashingtonWizards

— Chad Ricardo (@RealChadRicardo) June 26, 2025

no way we got this demon will riley at 21 pic.twitter.com/cR0x3GBAPx

— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) June 26, 2025

Canada's finest

Kitchener, you’ve got another one — Will Riley goes 21st to the Jazz // Kitchener en produit un autre — Will Riley repêché 21e par le Jazz pic.twitter.com/UMZn6pDzAI

— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) June 26, 2025

Will Riley drafted at 21 to the Washington Wizards! A prolific scorer with a huge upside is drafted into a GREAT situation..

Another win for Canadians 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/RZjq9Q2YUy

— Thenorthway (@TheNorthWay) June 26, 2025

Seeing double?

Will Riley and Kyshawn George on the same team pic.twitter.com/MZwKJd5OEG

— Jack (VOTE ZOHRAN !!) (@JackDAnder) June 26, 2025

More history in Champaign

Will Riley

Becomes the 2nd Illinois player to be a one and done at Illinois

pic.twitter.com/WKAFxEZTIx

— Dariush Takhtehchian, M.D (@takhtehchianmd) June 26, 2025

Riley's own thoughts

Will Riley just spoke to media here via Zoom:

"I'm a very versatile player. I have very high IQ, I like to make the right reads. I'm also a very coachable guy, super hard worker...I'm just gonna bring a lot of passion to the team and it's gonna be great."

— Bijan Todd (@bijan_todd) June 26, 2025

Will Riley, the 21st pick, says he had one workout with the Wizards and it was "probably my most competitive" he had in the pre-draft process.

"That's usually where I thrive."

— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) June 26, 2025

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

A Look at Each Illinois NBA Draft Pick Since the Turn of the Century

Ty Rodgers' Injury: How It Will Shake Up Illinois' Projected Rotation

Brad Underwood, Bret Bielema, Shauna Green Feature in Chicago Cubs' 'Illini Night'