The Big Ten's reigning Sixth Man of The Year is heading to Washington (byway of Utah), as he was selected 21st in the NBA Draft

The Washington Wizards have selected Will Riley with the No. 21 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Riley was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year in 2025. He set the Illinois freshman record for points in a debut with 31 against Eastern Illinois and later broke the program’s freshman NCAA tournament scoring mark with 22 in a Round 1 win over Xavier.

While projections have fluctuated for Kasparas Jakučionis and Will Riley, one outcome has remained consistent: By the end of the first round, there should be two new Illini in the NBA.