William Richard Bio
William Richard is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on December 24, 2002, in Fairburn, Georgia, he played college basketball for the Belmont Bruins and the Florida Gators before being selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. His draft rights were later acquired by the Golden State Warriors. Richard won an NCAA championship with the Florida Gators in 2025 before launching his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Richard grew up in Fairburn, Georgia, and attended Woodward Academy in College Park. During his senior season at Woodward, he averaged 24.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. He played on the varsity basketball team alongside Walker Kessler, who later became a center for the Utah Jazz. Richard earned first-team All-State honors as a senior and finished his high school career with over 1,000 points and 90 team wins.
He was a key player on the Woodward Academy team that captured the Georgia 4A State Championship during his junior year. Richard was ranked second in the state of Georgia for scoring per 32 minutes and was named to the Georgia High School Athletic Association first-team All-State. Coming out of high school, he committed to playing college basketball for Belmont University.
Path to Basketball
Richard began his collegiate career at Belmont University, playing for the Bruins during the 2021-22 season. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging 12.1 points and six rebounds per game while shooting 32.6 percent from three-point range. His performance earned him Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer team honors. In the first round of the 2022 National Invitation Tournament, Richard recorded 22 points and eight rebounds in a loss to Vanderbilt, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
After his freshman season, Richard entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately chose to continue his college basketball career at the University of Florida. The move to the Southeastern Conference represented a significant step up in competition. At Florida, Richard developed into a more complete player, refining his shooting mechanics and expanding his offensive repertoire under the Gators coaching staff.
William Richard Career
Florida Gators (2022-2025)
During his first season with the Florida Gators in 2022-23, Richard made 30 starts out of 32 games played. He averaged 10.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 39.8 percent from three-point range. His ability to space the floor and knock down perimeter shots quickly made him a valuable piece in the Gators rotation.
In the 2023-24 season, Richard continued his development with 35 starts, averaging 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 34.5 percent from beyond the arc. He showed consistency as a starter and proved capable of scoring in various ways. On February 24, 2024, he delivered a strong performance with 21 points and five three-pointers in a win over Vanderbilt.
The 2024-25 season represented Richard’s breakthrough campaign. On December 29, 2024, he totaled 26 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two assists in a victory over Stetson. On February 25, 2025, he scored a season-high 30 points in a hard-fought loss to Georgia. Richard saved his best performance for last, contributing 25 points on nine-of-13 shooting from the field in a win over Texas A&M on March 1, 2025.
National Championship and College Finale
Richard’s collegiate career reached its pinnacle during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. In the national championship game against Houston, he scored 18 points, including all four of his three-pointers in the first half, helping the Gators secure a dramatic 65-63 comeback victory. The win gave Florida the NCAA championship and cemented Richard’s legacy as a player who delivered when it mattered most. His performance throughout the tournament demonstrated his ability to elevate his game in high-stakes situations.
Golden State Warriors Era (2025-Present)
On June 25, 2025, Richard was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. His draft rights were subsequently acquired by the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the draft rights to the 59th overall pick, the draft rights to Justinian Jessup, and a 2032 protected second-round pick. On September 29, 2025, Richard officially signed his first professional contract with the Warriors.
Richard made his first career start on November 5, 2025, and responded with a career-high 30 points. The performance signaled his ability to contribute immediately at the professional level and demonstrated his scoring ability. The Warriors have provided Richard with an opportunity to develop within their system while competing for minutes in a storied franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Richard has established himself as an effective three-point shooter throughout his career. His shooting percentages at both Belmont and Florida reflected his ability to stretch the floor and create spacing for his teammates. He has shown the capacity to score in bunches when given opportunities, as evidenced by his multiple 20-point performances in college. His defensive rebounding and ability to make plays on the offensive end give him versatility that NBA teams value.
Notable Events and Milestones
Richard’s career has been defined by several significant moments. Winning the NCAA championship with Florida in 2025 stands as the pinnacle of his achievements to date. Scoring 30 points in his first career NBA start on November 5, 2025, represented a strong beginning to his professional journey. His 30-point performance against Georgia in February 2025 and his clutch scoring in the national championship game showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
William Richard Career Wins
Richard’s career highlights include an NCAA championship victory with the Florida Gators in 2025. Throughout his collegiate career, he demonstrated consistent improvement and the ability to deliver in crucial moments. His college career included multiple 20-point performances and significant contributions to Florida’s championship run.
College Highlights
At Belmont during the 2021-22 season, Richard earned Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer team honors while averaging 12.1 points and six rebounds per game. His performance in the NIT against Vanderbilt, where he scored 22 points, demonstrated his ability to compete against high-level competition. At Florida, he continued to build his reputation as a reliable scorer and three-point shooter.
Other Achievements
Richard’s high school career included over 1,000 points scored and 90 team wins at Woodward Academy. He earned first-team All-State honors and was instrumental in winning the Georgia 4A State Championship during his junior year. He was ranked second in the state of Georgia for scoring efficiency.
William Richard Family
Family Background
Richard is the son of Al Richard and Helen Richard. His family has supported his basketball ambitions throughout his development from high school standout through his collegiate career at Belmont and Florida to his current professional career with the Golden State Warriors.
Personal Life
Richard is a Christian and has spoken about his faith as an important part of his life. He maintains connections with former teammates from both high school and college. His relationship with former Woodward Academy teammate Walker Kessler, now with the Utah Jazz, demonstrates the lasting bonds formed during his formative basketball years.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transformative year in Richard’s basketball career. Beginning with his final collegiate season at Florida and culminating in his NBA Draft selection, Richard experienced the pinnacle of amateur basketball success before transitioning to the professional ranks. His national championship victory with the Gators represented the culmination of years of development and hard work. The Warriors’ acquisition of his draft rights and his subsequent signing demonstrated their belief in his potential.
Since joining the Warriors, Richard has shown promising early returns. His 30-point performance in his first career start on November 5, 2025, provided an encouraging glimpse of his scoring ability. The Warriors’ organization offers Richard the opportunity to develop under experienced leadership while competing in the Western Conference. His three-point shooting and ability to score the ball should translate well to the professional game.
Looking ahead, Richard aims to establish himself as a reliable contributor for the Warriors. His collegiate track record of improvement year over year suggests he has the work ethic and basketball intelligence to continue developing. With continued development and opportunity, Richard has the potential to carve out a meaningful NBA career.