While Kitchener, Ont. native Will Riley might be feeling down in the dumps right now, the future is bright.
The freshman forward and his No. 6 seed Illinois squad lost 84-75 to No. 3 Kentucky on Sunday, eliminating them from March Madness.
"Yeah, it sucks. A lot of emotions flowing," said Riley to reporters following the loss. "It just sucks knowing that I could've done better for the team. A lot of emotions, it's a sad way to end the season."
On the other side of the result, unburdened by the weight of missing a lone shot at the Sweet 16, Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope zoomed out and offered a broader perspective on the young Canadian prospect.
"What an incredible season he's put together with a great Illinois team. I'm so happy for him," said Pope after the Wildcats' victory. "His family is terrific ... He's a beautiful kid, and he's got a huge future as a big-time pro."
And the only negative thing I have to say about it is — well, maybe not negative, he's also smart enough not to come play for me. So really good. But he's a beautiful kid with a great family, and he's played unbelievable basketball. He's super impressive."
Riley had Kentucky on his list of finalists when it came time to make a college decision last summer before ultimately joining the Fighting Illini.
The 19-year-old is currently projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick by most draft experts. Riley averaged 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for the Fighting Illini and set an Illinois freshman record with 31 points in his debut.
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