NBA Comparison: Jaylen Wells / Allan Houston

Strengths: Long, athletic small forward with promising tools and considerable long-term upside … Riley measured at 6’6” and possesses fluid mobility, a strong foundation for a modern two-way wing … Flashes advanced perimeter skills — particularly as a shooter off the catch and in space … Comfortable stepping into mid-range pull-ups and shows potential as a floor-spacer despite inconsistency … Shot 43.2% from the field and averaged 12.6 points per game as a freshman at Illinois … Still learning, but he has real self-creation potential in the open floor and in transition … Averaged 2.2 assists per game — shows glimpses of playmaking vision on the move … Can attack closeouts or push off defensive rebounds to start fast breaks … Has a clean, compact release and doesn’t lack confidence when spotting up … Defensively, Riley’s tools stand out — long arms, quick feet, and good recovery ability make him a versatile defender at 2–4 positions … Plays with energy, especially when switching or rotating … Averaged 2.2 rebounds and 0.3 blocks and steals apiece — not dominant numbers, but hints at defensive impact as he matures physically … At just 19 years old, he’s one of the younger prospects in the class and already held his own in a major conference … Strong candidate to develop into a switchable, shot-making wing with modern NBA appeal … Offensive decision-making remains a work in progress — but was able to average near 2/1 A/TO ratio. 2.2 assists to 1.2 turnovers …

Weaknesses: Still developing his consistency and polish offensively … Three-point shooting (32.6%) showed flashes, but lacked rhythm and balance at times — needs to improve shot mechanics and confidence from deep … Free throw percentage (72.4%) was decent but doesn’t yet indicate reliable shooting touch under pressure … Handle is still raw — struggles to create separation in tight spaces or when guarded physically … Prone to forcing shots or fading out of games when pressured … Doesn’t yet play with consistent tempo or feel in the half-court … Needs to add strength — can be bumped off his line and lacks power finishing through contact … Defensively, he has tools but occasionally loses track off the ball or bites on fakes … Rebounding (4.1 RPG) can improve with added physicality and urgency — often leaks out early … Still raw — not a refined shot creator or defender at this stage and needs time to develop NBA-level habits … Nagging injuries limited some late-season momentum and added to his overall inconsistency … Catch and shoot numbers were impacted as season went along. Struggled with consistency … Scouts view him as a long-term investment rather than a plug-and-play contributor … Has a negative wingspan-to-height ape index, but makes up for it some with a respectable standing reach reportedly ranging from 8’6″ to 8’9.5″, depending on the source … Better in the half court than in transition at this point. Strength obviously a factor …

Outlook: Riley is a high-upside prospect with good size and tools for the NBA wing position. Though raw and inconsistent, he impressed in flashes during his freshman season, averaging 12.6 points and earning key minutes for Illinois. His blend of size, shot-making upside, and defensive versatility give him real long-term appeal. If his three-point shooting becomes consistent and his physical development continues, Riley has the potential to grow into a starter or high-level rotation player. A likely late first or early second-round pick for a team looking to invest in one of the younger, more intriguing wings in the class.

Notes: Measured: 6’8″, 8’9.25″ standing reach, 178 lbs, 6’7″ wingspan, 30.25″ max vert at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders … Measured: 6’7″, 8’6″ standing reach, 172 lbs, 6’6″ wingspan at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit …Born Feb 10, 2006 … Originally from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada … Joined Illinois after competing with the NBA Academy Latin America and earning buzz as one of the top international prospects in the 2006-born class … Appeared in 35 games as a freshman, averaging 25.6 minutes, 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game … Faced some late-season challenges stemming from both injury and illness., which impacted production and rhythm … Still just scratching the surface of his talent — long considered one of Canada’s highest-upside long-term NBA prospects in his class …

Aran Smith – 4/12/25

Strengths: 6’8 wing … Very good shooter and scorer. Shoots well off the catch or dribble. Can shoot while moving and stop on a dime. Shot has good arc and ball rotation. A threat to score from anywhere on the court. Scores with either hand at the rim after long strides. Scores well from midrange with an effective pull-up and touch on floater/runner. Shoots well from 3PT and is comfortable beyond the NBA 3PT line. Adept at hitting tough shots … Good free throw shooter … Moves well off the ball … Handles the ball well and creates for himself in the half-court. Makes good reads with the ball and doesn’t over-dribble. Effective crossover and his shooting success makes defenders bite on his hesitations. Good use of pivot and footwork … Handles face-guarding, full-court defense, and double-teams well … Good playmaker and passer … Plays with good energy while still under control … Good feel for the game …

Weaknesses: Has used his size to his advantage shooting over smaller defenders but his length isn’t great relative to height with a 6’7 wingspan and 8’6 standing reach … Narrow body frame and lacks strength … Moves with fluidity but isn’t a real explosive … Picks up his dribble early at times … Isn’t real quick laterally and lacks physicality as a defender …

Outlook: Illinois freshman … MVP of the 2024 Basketball Without Borders Global camp … Played in the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit …

Evan Tomes 10/31/24