Florida wing Will Richard will return to Gainesville for the 2024-25 season after testing the NBA Draft waters.
The 6-foot-4 guard announced his decision on Instagram Saturday morning with an “I’m back” graphic. Richard put his name in the NBA Draft class in mid-April but kept his eligibility. He also stated at the time that if he chose to return to school, he had no plans of looking elsewhere.
As a junior last season, Richard started 35 times while averaging 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 30 minutes a night. Since transferring from Belmont ahead of the 2022-23 season, Richard has started 65 games for the Gators, becoming an integral part of Todd Golden’s rotation.
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As a freshman, Richard averaged 12.1 points and 6 boards a game for Belmont, scoring in double figures 23 times in 33 appearances. Since moving to Florida, he has done more of the same while blossoming into a 3-and-D weapon.
In 68 appearances for Florida, Richard has reached double figures 38 times. He shot 40% from 3 as a sophomore and then shot 35% on high volume from 3 this past season.
Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh are back in the frontcourt. Walter Clayton Jr. could still return; he is going through the draft process but, like Richard, did so while maintaining his eligibility. The deadline to withdraw from the draft is May 29.
Golden also added Florida Atlantic guard Alijah Martin, Chattanooga forward Sam Alexis, and Washington State center Rueben Chinyelu from the transfer portal. The high school class brought 4-star Orlando guard Isaiah Brown into the program.
On the heels of a 24-12 season that saw UF earn a 7-seed in the NCAA Tournament, Richard’s return is a major win. If Golden is able to get Clayton back as well, Florida should be formidable on the perimeter.
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Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
