CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois forward Will Riley has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the third time this season, the conference office announced Monday. Riley shares the honor with Derek Queen of Maryland.
Riley had a standout week, leading the Illini in both games with averages of 22.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds. He shot 51.5% from the field, including 44.4% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 87.5% from the free-throw line.
The highlight of Riley’s week came in a dominant win over Minnesota, where he posted a career-high 27 points, tying his career-high with nine rebounds and setting a new career-high with seven assists. Notably, Riley became the first NCAA freshman since the 1996-97 season to record at least 27 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists without committing a turnover in a game.
This marks Riley’s third Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor this season, having earned the award previously after averaging 20.0 points in wins over Ohio State and Nebraska, and again following his historic 31-point debut against Eastern Illinois.
Riley and the Illini will be back in action on Tuesday, hosting UCLA at 7 p.m. at State Farm Center.