Will Riley is not your average high school basketball player. He is a 6-foot-9 forward who can play multiple positions, shoot the ball, and create off the dribble. He is one of the top Canadian prospects in the 2025 class and has already received offers from several high-major programs, including Arizona, Villanova, Kansas State & more.
Riley, who was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, moved to the United States two years ago to attend the Phelps School in Pennsylvania, where he plays for the varsity team with fellow Canadians Onyx Nnani (Edmonton) & Nyce Bakare (Vancouver). He also plays his AAU basketball with UPLAY Canada on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he faces some of the best competition in the country.
In an exclusive interview with us, Riley shared his thoughts on his basketball journey, his goals, and his inspirations.
Josh Millican: You are one of the top Canadian prospects in the 2025 class and have already received offers from several high-major programs. How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with being a highly sought-after recruit?
Will Riley: It’s what I’ve dreamed of ever since I was younger. So there isn’t really pressure because I’ve always had the motivation to do this so it’s routine for me.
Josh Millican: You are playing your basketball in the United States, after moving from Canada to attend the Phelps School in Pennsylvania. What are some of the biggest challenges and adjustments you have faced in transitioning to a different basketball culture and environment?
Will Riley: It is different because I’m away from all of my family, and it’s a lot more competitive down here, and there’s a lot more opportunity for me. I get to develop my game everyday by having access to the gym whenever.
Josh Millican: You have a versatile skill set as a 6-foot-9 forward who can play multiple positions, shoot the ball, and create off the dribble. Which players do you model your game after and what aspects of your game are you working on the most to improve?
Will Riley: I've been working on my handle for countless hours a day, and getting up a lot of three point shots daily. There isn’t a specific player I model my game after, but I study players like Manu Ginobili, Demar Derozan, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
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