Golden State's Bold Move: Will Richard's NBA Dream Comes True!

San Antonio, USA - In thrilling news from the world of basketball, the Golden State Warriors have made the move to select Florida Gators guard Will Richard with the 56th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This marks an exciting moment for Richard, who was originally projected to be chosen later, or perhaps not at all, as an undrafted free agent. The Warriors executed a strategic trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to ascend from the 59th to the 56th pick to secure Richard’s talents, showing their confidence in his potential on the court. Hail Florida Hail reports that Richard, lauded for his versatility as a „combo guard,“ brings significant value, as he can play both point guard and shooting guard positions.

His journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Standing tall at 6’4” and weighing 206 pounds, Richard showcased his talents during his time with the Gators, where he played a pivotal role in their championship season. In the nail-biting national championship game against Houston, Richard scored 18 points and snagged eight rebounds, helping to clinch the title with a final score of 65-63. During the 2024-25 season, he racked up an impressive total of 546 points, completing 189 field goals and sinking 82 three-pointers. His defensive game was equally strong, averaging 1.7 steals per game alongside a wingspan of 6’10”, giving him a notable advantage in both rebounding and defense.

A Star in the Making

What’s more, Richard became a household name not just for his scoring ability, but for his memorable contributions throughout the NCAA Tournament. He was particularly effective in the second and third rounds, scoring 15 points each against UConn and Maryland, respectively. His performance earned him spots on both the Final Four All-Tournament Team and the SEC Tournament All-Tournament Team, underlining his skills when stakes were at their highest. This selection is also part of a historic moment for Florida basketball, as Richard is among three Gators drafted this year, following Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin. It’s the first time since 2007 that three players from Florida have been selected in a single draft, marking an exciting chapter for the program Sports Illustrated notes.

Having transferred from Belmont, Richard became the first commitment under head coach Todd Golden at Florida in 2022. Throughout his three seasons, he compiled impressive career stats, tallying 1,275 points, 470 rebounds, and setting a program record for steals by a transfer with 129. His remarkable shooting skills place him among elite company, being one of only seven players in the history of Florida’s basketball program to log over 150 three-pointers within two seasons.

A Global Perspective

As the 2025 NBA Draft unfolded, a diverse array of talent was showcased. Among the overall selections, international players made a significant impact, with a total of 23 selected from 15 countries, indicating a vibrant global interest in the game. Notable first-round selections included VJ Edgecombe from the Bahamas, drafted 3rd overall, and Egor Demin from Russia, picked 8th overall—the first Russian player drafted since 2013. This year’s draft maintained a strong international presence with NBA.com highlighting that the number of European players, particularly, reached an impressive count, including a record six from France.

In summary, Will Richard’s selection by the Warriors is a testament to his hard work and talent, marking a bright new chapter for both him and the Golden State franchise. With his impressive skill set and stellar collegiate career, one can certainly say there’s something to be said for his potential to shine in the NBA. As he steps onto this bigger stage, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he blossoms in his professional career.