Will Richard Bio
William Richard, known professionally as Will Richard, is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Belmont Bruins and the Florida Gators and was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA draft. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, Richard plays as a guard and is recognized for his perimeter shooting and scoring instincts.
Early Life and Background
William Richard was born on December 24, 2002, in Fairburn, Georgia, in the United States. He is the son of Al Richard and Helen Richard and grew up in a supportive household in the metropolitan Atlanta area. His early years in Fairburn exposed him to a strong community sports culture that helped spark his interest in basketball.
Richard attended Woodward Academy, a private school known for its competitive athletics. While at Woodward, he developed into one of the top high school players in the state of Georgia. He earned first-team All-State honors as a senior and concluded his high school career with more than 1,000 points and 90 victories. During his junior season, he led Woodward Academy to the Georgia 4A State Championship, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Path to Basketball
As a senior at Woodward Academy, Richard averaged 24.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, establishing himself as a high-major recruit. He played alongside current Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, and the two formed one of the top high school duos in Georgia. He was also ranked second in the state of Georgia for scoring per 32 minutes and was named to the GHSAA first-team All-State.
Following his senior season, Richard committed to playing college basketball for Belmont University. The decision launched his collegiate path, where he began building the resume that would eventually lead him to the NBA. His steady progression from high school standout to collegiate contributor reflected both his work ethic and his shooting ability from the perimeter.
Will Richard Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Richard began his collegiate career at Belmont during the 2021–22 season. As a freshman, he averaged 12.1 points and six rebounds per game while shooting 32.6 percent from three-point range. His efforts earned him a spot on the Ohio Valley Conference all-newcomer team in 2022.
He also delivered one of his strongest early performances in the 2022 National Invitation Tournament, scoring 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds in a first-round loss to Vanderbilt. After the season, Richard entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling his intent to test himself at a higher level of competition.
Belmont Bruins Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Richard’s lone season at Belmont gave him a foundation in Division I basketball and helped him adjust to the demands of a college schedule. His scoring and rebounding averages placed him among the conference’s most productive newcomers and drew attention from programs across the country.
The NIT appearance against Vanderbilt showcased his ability to perform on a national stage. That showing, paired with his conference recognition, helped pave the way for his transfer to a Southeastern Conference program.
Florida Gators Era (2022–2025)
Richard transferred to the University of Florida and joined the Florida Gators, where he spent the next three seasons. In 2022–23, his first year as a Gator, he started 30 of 32 games and averaged 10.4 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 39.8 percent from beyond the arc. His efficiency from three-point range marked him as a reliable floor spacer.
During the 2023–24 campaign, Richard made 35 starts and averaged 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 34.5 percent from three. He produced several memorable outings, including a 21-point performance against Vanderbilt on February 24, 2024, in which he connected on five three-pointers. On December 29, 2024, he erupted for 26 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two assists in a win over Stetson.
In his final college season, Richard continued to rise. He scored 30 points in a loss to Georgia on February 25, 2025, and followed that with a 25-point performance on 9-of-13 shooting against Texas A&M on March 1. His efforts helped carry Florida deep into the postseason.
Driving Style and Strengths
Richard is known for his perimeter shooting, scoring touch, and rebounding effort for a guard. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting while also contributing on the boards. His steady improvement in efficiency from year to year has been a defining trait of his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Richard’s most significant collegiate moment came in the 2025 national championship game, where he scored 18 points, including four three-pointers in the first half, to help Florida rally for a 65–63 victory over Houston and claim the NCAA title. Earlier in his career, he had reached the 1,000-point milestone at Woodward Academy and led the program to a state championship as a junior.
Will Richard Career Wins
Will Richard has compiled a résumé highlighted by team success at every level of his career. His crowning achievement is the 2025 NCAA championship won with the Florida Gators, capping a season in which he delivered several of the most important performances of his college career.
NCAA Highlights
Richard’s three seasons at Florida were marked by steady statistical growth and postseason success. After averaging double figures in scoring in each of his three years as a Gator, he helped lead the program to the national championship game in 2025. His 18-point performance in the title game against Houston, combined with his earlier scoring outbursts against Georgia, Texas A&M, and Stetson, made him a key figure in Florida’s title run.
Other Wins and Performances
At Woodward Academy, Richard won the Georgia 4A State Championship during his junior season and finished his high school career with over 90 wins. He also earned first-team All-State honors and was ranked second in Georgia for scoring per 32 minutes, underscoring his standing among the state’s top prospects.
Will Richard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Will Richard is the son of Al Richard and Helen Richard, who raised him in Fairburn, Georgia. His family provided a supportive environment that allowed him to pursue basketball from a young age, and his parents remained closely tied to his development as a player.
Personal Life
Off the court, Richard is a Christian, a detail he has publicly identified with. He has remained close to his family and is widely regarded as a grounded, team-oriented player. Information about a spouse or children has not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a defining year for Will Richard. At the collegiate level, he played a central role in the Florida Gators’ run to the NCAA championship, highlighted by a strong close to the regular season and a memorable performance in the national title game against Houston.
Following the college season, Richard entered the 2025 NBA draft and was selected with the 56th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. He was subsequently traded to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the draft rights to the 59th pick Jahmai Mashack, the draft rights to Justinian Jessup, and a 2032 protected second-round pick. On September 29, 2025, he signed his first NBA contract with the Warriors.
Richard made an immediate impact in the NBA. On November 5, 2025, he recorded his first career start with the Warriors and scored a career-high 30 points. His transition from second-round pick to early contributor signaled a promising outlook as he continues to establish himself at the professional level.