In a move that caught the attention of NBA draft enthusiasts, the Golden State Warriors selected Florida guard Will Richard with the No. 56 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a selection acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies. The 6-foot-4 guard from Fairburn, Georgia, emerged as a steal late in the draft, bringing a blend of grit, efficiency, and championship pedigree to a Warriors backcourt headlined by All-NBA star Stephen Curry.
Richard, the third Florida Gator selected in the 2025 draft and the seventh from the program over the past 12 years, left an indelible mark during his three-year tenure at Florida. Averaging 11.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, Richard was a cornerstone of the Gators’ national championship run in 2024-25. His standout performance came in the title game, where he sparked a dramatic 12-point comeback, finishing with 18 points on an efficient 5-of-10 shooting. Throughout Florida’s six-game tournament tear, Richard delivered 15 or more points in three contests, showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stages.
“The kid is an incredible light bulb, an incredible human being,” Florida head coach Todd Golden said during a press conference in San Antonio. “We looked at his numbers at Belmont — incredibly efficient as a freshman, high-usage player, great rebounding rates, great steal rates, great block rates … We’re like, ‘If we can get 13 Will Richards on this roster, we’re going to make the Final Four.’”
Richard’s journey to the NBA began at Belmont, where he displayed remarkable efficiency as a freshman before transferring to Florida in March 2022, becoming the first recruit under Coach Golden. At Florida, he formed part of a dynamic backcourt trio alongside senior guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin, who collectively averaged a staggering 46 points per game in the 2024-25 season. While Clayton garnered national accolades, Richard’s knack for stepping up in clutch moments defined his legacy. A prime example came on January 22 against the South Carolina Gamecocks, when Richard erupted for 22 points, including a game-winning layup that capped a 14-point second-half comeback.
Known for his leadership and tenacity in the locker room, Richard’s intangibles make him a natural fit for a Warriors team coming off a 48-34 season and looking to bolster its depth. His defensive versatility, rebounding prowess for a guard, and ability to perform under pressure align perfectly with Golden State’s fast-paced, high-IQ system. Paired with Curry’s unparalleled shooting and playmaking, Richard has the potential to carve out a role as a reliable contributor off the bench.
As the Warriors aim to build on their 2025 campaign, the selection of Will Richard at No. 56 could prove to be a masterstroke — a low-risk, high-reward pick who brings championship experience and a relentless competitive spirit to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.