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Illinois basketball superstar notches weekly praise from Big Ten

The Illinois basketball program had a great week, and now a big-time freshman is receiving some high praise from the Big Ten.

ByRees Woodcock|
Nov 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Nov 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Through two games of the 2024-25 season, the Illinois basketball team is red hot and looking for more.

The Illini are now 2-0 on the young campaign, with wins over two below-average programs. If Illinois was dominating these lower programs due to being just more athletic, then I would be hesitant about what is to come. But that isn’t the case at all.

Illinois is unleashing the full repertoire of weapons. We have great point guard play, the frontcourt is insanely talented, and what is coming off the wing is extremely dangerous.

A big element of the great play thus far is Will Riley. The 6-foot-8 freshman burst onto the scene and hasn’t disappointed after being one of the few five-star recruits Illinois has ever landed.

On Monday, Riley earned a nice little accolade early in his career. The Big Ten announced that Riley was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week.

For the week, Riley played two games and averaged 22.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His biggest game came against Eastern Illinois when he dropped 31 points and added seven rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Don’t expect Illinois basketball freshman sensation Will Riley to slow down anytime soon either

Riley’s hot start is exactly what Illinois needed this season. We played some lower-level programs early on, so getting the young players up to speed is important.

There is a good chance Riley will continue his great play in the coming weeks as well. Three out of the next four games are against Oakland, Maryland Eastern Shore, and Little Rock. Those are games he can tear up and put up some big numbers.

The game I am looking at to see if Riley can maintain is big play is against No. 2 Alabama. We have them in Birmingham, so that is going to be an extremely tough game. If Riley can put up big numbers against the Crimson Tide, there is no telling what the ceiling is for this kid.

At the end of the day, through two games, Riley has lived up to his billing. I am excited to see what the rest of his freshman campaign holds.

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