CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois forward Will Riley is the inaugural Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the 2024-25 season, the conference office announced Monday. Riley earns the award after a record-setting performance with the Fighting Illini.
Riley broke the Illinois freshman debut scoring record last Monday, pouring in 31 points on 10-for-13 shooting, including 5-for-6 on 3-pointers, to go along with 6-of-7 free throws in the win over Eastern Illinois. It was the first 30-point game by an Illini freshman in a debut and topped the previous school mark of 28 points (Adam Miller on Nov. 25, 2020). It also ranks as the most points by any Big Ten freshman in his debut since the opening of the 2007-08 season. Riley added seven rebounds and three assists vs. EIU.
He scored in double figures again in Friday's win over SIU Edwardsville, finishing with 14 points.
For the week, Riley averaged a team-best 22.7 points with 7.0 rebounds on 60% shooting (15-25), 72.7% from three (8-11), and 77.8% on free throws (7-9).
Riley and the Illini are back in action Wednesday night at State Farm Center, hosting Oakland (8 p.m. CT, BTN). Tickets are available online at FightingIllini.com.
