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    benstrober@RTBDigital
    benstrober@RTBDigital
    Dec 1, 2025, 11:40
    Updated at: Dec 1, 2025, 13:26

    Rookie Will Riley drops 36 points in G-League action, earning a quick recall to the Wizards roster.

    The Washington Wizards re-called rookie Will Riley to the active roster ahead of Monday's game following his offensive explosion with the Capital City Go-Go.

    Riley returns to the roster, but becomes a late addition to the injury report for tonight. He is questionable to play with a sacral contusion, according to the team.

    Riley, assigned to the Go-Go yesterday morning, put up 36 points on 58% shooting in the Go-Go's loss to the Greensboro Swarm.

    With playmaking reps a top priority for Riley in his G-League stints, he impressed once again with 6 assists, albeit, five turnovers.

    Washington's decision to assign Riley to the G-League for the day served as a quick developmental outing, as the rookie forward got these reps during the Wizards' day off.

    Riley jumps his averages to 26 points per game, 4.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. He's played in 3 G-League games this year.

    Riley, 19, impressed from behind the arc, knocking down four of his six looks. That's an area he looks to improve upon in his limited NBA minutes. The 6'9 product has made just one of his seven attempts from three.

    Riley shot 32% from three in his lone freshman season with Illinois.

    Riley' impressed with his ability to create for himself and get downhill yesterday. Illinois head coach said following the draft he was the "second best tough-shot-maker" he ever coached. Underwood said the only player ahead in that department is Michael Beasley, who Underwood coached as an assistant at Kansas State.

    With all the attrition the Wizards are facing due to injuries to Tre Johnson and Corey Kispert, this might be an opportunity for the young point-forward to see the floor.

    Riley's action on the NBA floor has been few and far between to begin his career. He's only played in 13 of 18 games, typically only playing extremely limited minutes late in games.

    His miniscule minutes reveals there is real potential to his game. He has lived up to his pre-draft profile as a taller shot creator, who can score at all three levels.

    Although many fans are eager to see Riley playing significant minutes, head coach Brian Keefe hasn't made him a feature in the rotation yet.

    General manager Will Dawkins told the Sports Junkies the Wizards would cut down their rotation. Where does that leave Riley?

    Washington has a glaring issue at point guard. Riley could be an option to get reps at the position off the bench.

    Kyshawn George, who played point guard at Miami, has essentially served as the team's de-facto point guard. 

    George has flashed in the role at times, but it seems unlikely he's the long term option at the position. The Wizards tried to establish sophomore guard Bub Carrington in the role at the start of the season, but the 20-year-old's struggles prompted an adjustment.

    The Wizards are back in action tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks at 7:00 p.m.. With Riley back on the roster, hos minutes continues as a story to follow.