Kentucky looking to get Top 25 SF Will Riley on campus for a visit

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony updated his 2025 NBA Mock Draft and slotted high school junior Will Riley just outside of the lottery, projecting the 6-foot-8 wing to the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 16th overall pick in next summer’s draft.

Riley has been steadily rising up the recruiting rankings over the last several months. He’s now considered the No. 23 overall class of 2025 prospect by the On3 Industry Ranking. On3’s own rankings are even higher on the Canadian, placing him at No. 11 in the class. Most recently, Riley was named the MVP of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders, an invite-only event during this month’s NBA’s All-Star Weekend that featured 40 players from 22 different countries.

Kentucky has taken notice of Riley as of late. Since the fall, UK coaches have been in talks with Riley. Assistant coach Chuck Martin came to watch him play earlier in his junior season. Now, Riley, who doesn’t currently hold an offer from the ‘Cats, is looking to visit Kentucky.

“They’re a fantastic program and Coach (John) Calipari is a legend,” Riley recently told On3’s Jamie Shaw. “And, they like my game. They’re trying to get me on campus for a visit. They’ve had a lot of guys go there. They like my intensity and my length.”

Will Riley, On3’s No. 11 in 2025, talks Kentucky 🎯

The 6-8 wing 🗣️ his recruitment, gets into style of play, possible upcoming visits, his MVP performance at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders, and more.

READ the Full Conversation Linked Below 👇 https://t.co/8OAKyPqqYW pic.twitter.com/XcMJIvss5h

— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) February 29, 2024

So far, the only official visit that Riley has set up is to Arizona in early March. He tells Shaw that, along with Kentucky, he’s in talks with Duke, UCLA, Villanova, and Michigan about potential visits, as well. UCLA and Michigan offered him on Sunday. The G League is also involved.

Of note, Riley is originally from Kitchener, Ontario in Canada, the same hometown as former Kentucky player and current Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray. As for another UK connection, Riley tells Shaw that he watches former ‘Cat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder — also a native of Canada — for his ability to slow down and dictate his own pace.

This season at Malvern (PA) The Phelps School, Riley is averaging nearly 27 points per game while shooting 41 percent from distance. If he ultimately does wind up taking a visit to Kentucky, don’t be surprised if he leaves Lexington with an offer in hand.