“Bad decision” “Boom!” - College hoops world left debating as 5-star forward Will Riley commits to Illinois

Will Riley announced his commitment to play for the Illinois Fighting Illini next season on Sunday. The five-star top 10 prospect, who reclassified to the 2024 recruiting class, also received offers from Arizona, Kentucky, and Alabama.

Fans of Illinois were excited about the news. After an Elite Eight run last season with a 29-9 overall record, the Fighting Illini lost its starters Terrence Shannon Jr., Coleman Hawkins, Quincy Guerrier and Marcus Domask to the transfer portal and NBA draft. The arrival of Riley marks a renewed hope for the Illinois faithful for the upcoming season.

"Boom!," an excited fan wrote on X.

"Yeah this is big time for Illinois," another fan wrote.

"Wants to win a championship before going pro. ILL was the only choice to guarantee that happens," one fan commented.

"Great decision young man!! Can't wait to watch the new look Illini take it home this year," a user said.

Meanwhile, some fans were not happy at the prospect of losing Will Riley. Some even predicted that he would transfer after his freshman season.

"Bad decision young man," one fan wrote

"Bad decision by the young man but even worse recruiting by tommy u can't lose him to Illinois," a fan wrote

"And will transfer out for a better NIL deal 10 months from now," one user predicted

"Imagine wanting to play for underwood LOOOL," another fan commented

Will Riley: player profile

Will Riley is the highest-ranked commitment in Illinois history and the 6 ft. 8 forward averaged 21.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the Nike EYBL Tournament this summer. A native of Canada, Riley played his high school career at Phelps School in Pennsylvania.

Coach Orlando Antigua, who joined Illinois in April from Kentucky, played a crucial role in Will Riley's commitment. The forward was previously considered a Wildcats signee. Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood said (via ESPN):

"He (Will Riley) is the consummate position-less basketball player who has all the tools offensively. Obviously, Orlando was instrumental with his relationships and did an excellent job leading this recruitment.

"Will has the ability to score it at all three levels, and he gives us another action player who can make plays for others and himself based on matchups. He is skilled, has a great midrange and float game, and extremely high basketball IQ."

Will Riley is considered a lottery pick in the NBA draft and will be Illinois' first since Meyers Leonard. The center was picked 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft.

What do you think of Will Riley signing to play under Brad Underwood? Let us know in the comment section below.