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Will Riley first Canadian selected in NBA Draft, traded from Jazz to Wizards

NEW YORK — Will Riley was the first Canadian selected in this year's NBA Draft. The Kitchener, Ont., native was taken 21st overall by the Utah Jazz. Riley was then traded to the Washington Wizards for Walter Clayton Jr.
Canadian Press
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Will Riley poses for a camera after being selected 21st by the Utah Jazzin the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

NEW YORK — Will Riley was the first Canadian selected in this year's NBA Draft.

The Kitchener, Ont., native was taken 21st overall by the Utah Jazz.

Riley was then traded to the Washington Wizards for Walter Clayton Jr.

Clayton had been drafted three spots earlier, 18th overall.

Riley averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

The six-foot-eight small forward started nine games and played 35.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025.

The Canadian Press