5-star wing trending away from Kentucky as decision day approaches?
By Alec Lasley
![Jan 27, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars head coach Mark Pope reacts after a play during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports Jan 27, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars head coach Mark Pope reacts after a play during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2970,h_1670,x_0,y_106/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/198/01j0krfz0s4m314jw03w.jpg)
Mark Pope has landed nearly every player for Kentucky that he's talked to in the short two months he's been on the job.
But, could that streak be coming to an end? It appears so.
2025 five-star wing Will Riley is a week away from his decision and signs seem clear that he will be heading to anywhere but Kentucky.
Over the weekend, 247Sports national basketball writer Travis Branham submitted a Crystal Ball in favor of Illinois for Riley.
Riley visited Kentucky, Illinois and Alabama earlier this month and following the UK visit, signs began to shift in Illinois' favor.
Branham's submission seems to be the final nail in the coffin as he's 207-of-222 all-time in his predictions.
One reason for the Illinois involvement and lead is assistant coach Orlando Antigua. Antigua recruited Riley when he was at Kentucky under John Calipari.
The 5-star wing will ultimately be choosing between Kentucky, Illinois, Alabama, Arizona and the NBL.
Right now RIley is in the 2025 class but rumors have been very consistent about the potential that he would be moving into the 2024 class.
Kentucky still has one available scholarship in the 2024 class. Riley is set to make his college choice on June 23.
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